By Matthew Denis
In commemoration of the 2025 International Youth Day, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines, convened the Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE) Summit in Abuja, spotlighting Nigeria’s youth as the engine of a trillion-dollar economic future.
Held under the theme “Fostering Youth Innovation and Green Skills for Growth and Global Stability,” the summit brought together captains of industry, lawmakers, diplomats, youth leaders, and business stakeholders in a robust dialogue on sustainable development and enterprise-driven transformation.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande urged young people to embrace innovation as a tool to tackle climate change and inequality.
“The world is at a crossroads. We need solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection and our youth are the bold thinkers to deliver this,” he declared.
Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, emphasized the growing bilateral ties between both countries, noting that trade grew by over 600 percent in 2024, largely driven by Nigeria’s export of liquefied petroleum gas.
He described the collaboration as a boost to both nations’ economic futures.
NACCIMA President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, unveiled an ambitious plan to register and empower over 100 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
“The woman selling akara on the roadside is a small business, but she may be employing three people. These MSMEs are the future. They are easy to scale, easy to support, and are the big businesses of tomorrow,” he said, while urging youth to tap into opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Other speakers, including Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), called for action beyond rhetoric, while Dr. Sameere Abubakar Abdullahi, NYE National Coordinator, highlighted entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation as Nigeria’s most valuable assets in achieving a trillion-dollar economy.
The summit also inaugurated the NYE National, Zonal, and State Executives, featured cultural performances, and reaffirmed the role of youth-led innovation in national transformation.
With renewed trade relations, MSME empowerment, and strong diplomatic support, the NACCIMA–Philippines partnership reinforced Nigeria’s pathway to achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.