The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is set to host a high-profile gala this April to mark its 65th anniversary, and the lineup of attendees reflects the importance of the occasion. Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will act as Chief Host. The event, scheduled to take place on April 12 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, promises to be a landmark celebration of bilateral relations and business development between Nigeria and the United States.
This year’s gala will not only celebrate the chamber’s legacy but also mark a new chapter in its leadership. Alhaji Sheriff Balogun will be inaugurated as the 20th President of the NACC during the evening’s proceedings. He is expected to use the occasion to unveil his strategic vision for the chamber, including initiatives aimed at boosting U.S.-Nigeria trade partnerships, strengthening business ties, and promoting investment-friendly policies on both sides.
As the NACC enters its seventh decade, the event provides an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s journey and its contributions to Nigeria’s private sector. Since its establishment, the chamber has served as a bridge for economic cooperation, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational corporations to engage in meaningful trade and dialogue. The gala will shine a spotlight on this legacy while laying the groundwork for future progress.
Adding more substance to the evening, the chamber will induct 40 new members, a move that underscores its continued growth and relevance in Nigeria’s evolving business landscape. These new members represent a diverse mix of industries and regions, highlighting the chamber’s commitment to inclusivity and expansion. Their entry into the NACC signals a fresh wave of energy and ideas that could play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s commercial future.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments will be the launch of the NACC’s new multi-storey building project. The structure is envisioned as a state-of-the-art business hub that will provide office space, event facilities, and innovation labs to support member companies and attract global partners. This project speaks to the chamber’s forward-looking approach and its desire to provide physical infrastructure to match its strategic ambitions.
The gala is also an occasion for recognition. Several individuals and organizations will be honored for their outstanding contributions to economic growth, trade development, and cross-border collaboration. These awards will be given to both Nigerian and American companies, as well as individuals who have played notable roles in strengthening ties between the two nations. Past presidents of the chamber, who laid the foundation for today’s success, will also be celebrated.
Joining the Vice President and Lagos State Governor will be other high-level dignitaries. Among those expected to attend are Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, as well as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole. Also on the guest list are some of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, including Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, Chairman of Elizade Group; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of Odu’a Group; and Aare Afe Babalola, Founder of Afe Babalola University.
The private sector will be strongly represented, with expected appearances by Catherine Uju Ifejika, Chairperson of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service; and Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited. The presence of such a broad array of leaders from government, academia, and industry speaks volumes about the influence and reach of the NACC.
The upcoming gala isn’t just about pageantry. It is a platform for forging new connections, discussing critical trade and investment issues, and building momentum for the future. In a business climate that continues to face global economic pressures and local policy shifts, events like these help create common ground between stakeholders in government and the private sector.
For attendees, this will be more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to network, share insights, and contribute to shaping a new chapter of U.S.-Nigeria relations. With the formal handover to a new president and the unveiling of key initiatives, the 65th anniversary of the NACC is poised to be as strategic as it is symbolic.
The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has come a long way since its inception, and this gala is a testament to the role it continues to play in bridging two continents through commerce, collaboration, and commitment to growth.
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