OGUNCCIMA Projects Ogun as Emerging Trade Hub at Global Business Forum in Germany

The Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has presented a bold vision to position Ogun as Nigeria’s leading destination for business growth and international trade during the “World Meets in Giessen” B2B conference in Germany.

At the conference, OGUNCCIMA President, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, led a delegation that unveiled key reforms, digital innovations, and international collaborations aimed at improving the state’s investment appeal and strengthening private sector participation.

Oshiyemi, while addressing participants at the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that Ogun State holds untapped potential and must be actively showcased on the world stage.

“Our message is clear—Ogun is open for business. We are not just attracting investors, we are also upgrading our systems to support them,” he stated.

He announced OGUNCCIMA’s partnership with the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber to train Nigerian apprentices in areas such as industrial mechanics, technical facility management, and project administration through a Dual Vocational Training Programme.

According to him, the initiative aims to plug Nigeria’s widening technical skill gap by leveraging Germany’s renowned vocational training system.

“We want our workforce to meet global standards, and the best way to achieve this is by learning from the best,” Oshiyemi added.

The Chamber also unveiled its new Membership Management System—an in-house digital platform designed to simplify member registration, manage records, and automate communications.

“The software will help us build stronger engagement with our members while creating reliable data points to support trade and policy decisions,” Oshiyemi said.

Beyond software, OGUNCCIMA has embarked on staff training in digital communication, cybersecurity, and information management, while also strengthening its network of City Chambers to improve local service delivery.

Other highlights from OGUNCCIMA’s presentation included the launch of a One-Stop Business Development Service Unit, which provides services such as business name registration, feasibility study support, and licensing assistance for SMEs and startups.

“We’ve created a single access point where businesses can find everything they need to launch or scale,” Oshiyemi noted.

“Our One-Stop Shop has already helped register several businesses and is expanding its reach every month.”

To deepen engagement, OGUNCCIMA introduced Monthly Business Clinics—virtual sessions where business owners receive tailored advice from industry experts. Four sessions have been held to date, with growing participation from across the state.

Also mentioned was the Chamber Academy, which has conducted hands-on sessions in trade mission planning and survey strategies to build internal capacity among OGUNCCIMA staff.

The Chamber also piloted Basic Business Management Training across its five City Chambers, targeting new and growing businesses.

While celebrating these wins, Oshiyemi admitted that challenges remain. “We’ve made great progress, but sustainability and staffing continue to pose hurdles. However, our commitment is strong—we are determined to deliver long-term value to our members and the broader business community.”

OGUNCCIMA’s presence in Germany, he noted, is a strategic move to establish Ogun State as a competitive player in global trade and commerce.

“Ogun has the geography, the people, and the ambition. What we’re doing is connecting those dots through bold ideas and meaningful partnerships,” he said.