The Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have launched the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification programme in Nigeria.
Mr. Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s Global Executive Director, said on Tuesday in Lagos that the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of chambers and associations.
The ACE initiative was introduced by CIPE in partnership with UNILAG’s Human Resource Department and NACCIMA.
Wilson said chambers and associations serve as the voice of business and are an important platform for shaping inclusive, market-driven policies.
He explained that ACE was created to improve governance, leadership, and operational effectiveness in business membership organizations across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The ACE programme is a crucial step in organizing the private sector voice for development. By equipping executives and managers with knowledge and tools, the programme aims to drive business growth and support sustainable economic development,” Wilson said.
He noted that hosting ACE at UNILAG would create a centre for developing experts who could replicate the programme’s success across Africa.
Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, said the initiative would support trade growth and investment partnerships across Africa.
She explained that participants would be trained in governance, finance, compliance, communication, digital systems, and anti-corruption through both online and in-person sessions.
“Graduates of the programme will return to their chambers ready to train others in advocacy, coalition building, and best practices,” Ogunshola said.
Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, Honourary Consul of Tanzania to Lagos and former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), described ACE as a milestone in professionalizing chamber management in Nigeria.
She said the initiative would address governance challenges, weak advocacy, and underdeveloped management systems.
According to Mabogunje, the programme will help strengthen governance, financial sustainability, member engagement, and digital transformation in chambers and associations.
“Professionalizing talent in chamber and association management is vital for effective advocacy, service delivery, and sustainability,” she said.
She added that stronger chambers and associations would enable the private sector to influence pro-business policies, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve infrastructure.
“This would create a more conducive environment for business growth, investment, and job creation,” she said.
