By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The 2025 NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE) International Youth Day Summit brought together a stellar lineup of dignitaries, diplomats, youth leaders, and business stakeholders under the theme: “Fostering Youth Innovation and Green Skills for Growth and Global Stability.”
Held on Saturday, 30 August 2025, at the prestigious Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, the summit spotlighted Nigeria’s youth as the engine of a trillion-dollar economic future.
Philippines Ambassador Hails $200m Energy Trade Surge, Commends Youth Empowerment
Delivering a goodwill message at the summit, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria and ECOWAS, celebrated the deepening bilateral relations between both countries, a partnership dating back to 1961.
“Trade between our countries grew by over 600% in 2024, largely driven by the Philippines’ import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Nigeria,” he stated. “This has not only strengthened energy security in the Philippines but also opened new economic doors for Nigeria.”
Ambassador Mellejor praised the summit’s focus on youth and innovation, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized that a united effort between stakeholders, institutions, and the media is critical to achieving that ambition.
“Stop Talking, Start Doing!” Hon. Doguwa Urges Action on Diaspora and Youth Issues.
In a blunt but powerful remark, Rt. Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), called on the Nigerian government to move beyond rhetoric.
“We must act. The diaspora will not be attractive if we’re not doing well at home,” he said. NACCIMA President Unveils Bold Vision: 100 Million MSMEs to Power Economic Transformation.
Engr. Jani Ibrahim, National President of NACCIMA and chief host of the summit, delivered a rousing address that positioned MSMEs as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic future.
“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.
He announced NACCIMA’s ongoing process to register over 100 million MSMEs through its national network, emphasizing the role of NACCIMA Women and Youth Entrepreneurs in that growth.
From Local Hustle to Global Trade: NACCIMA Urges Youth to Tap AfCFTA Opportunities.
Highlighting strategic pillars such as trade facilitation, value addition, and export promotion, Engr. Ibrahim stressed the need to prepare young entrepreneurs to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“AfCFTA is the biggest trade agreement in the world, covering 1.4 billion people and a GDP of \$3.4 trillion. Nigerian youths must think beyond their local environment and seize this opportunity.”
He referenced NACCIMA’s STEAMSS agenda, Security, Technology, Education, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Maritime, Solid Minerals, and Services – as key sectors that align with this year’s summit theme.
Dr. Sameere Abdullahi: “Youth Innovation Is Nigeria’s Global Passport”
In her welcome address, Dr. Sameere Abubakar Abdullahi, National Coordinator of NYE, declared that youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and tech adoption are Nigeria’s most valuable assets.
“Our youth are central to achieving the trillion-dollar economy. Their creativity and drive are vital in taking Nigeria to its rightful place in the global economy,” she said.
She linked the summit’s agenda to key global frameworks including the UN SDGs, AfCFTA, and ECOWAS Youth Skills Initiatives.
Youth Minister Sounds Climate Alarm, Calls Youth ‘Catalysts for Sustainability’
Dr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, issued a passionate call for sustainable innovation to combat 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 stated.
Rotimi O. “We’re Bridging the Gap Between MDAs and Young Entrepreneurs”
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Rotimi O., National Publicity Secretary for NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, emphasized the group’s role as a bridge between youth and opportunities within government and private-sector programs.
“Youths don’t need handouts; they need enabling environments and policy support. NACCIMA is here to guide and empower them to build sustainable businesses,” he said.
He also announced plans to launch cooperative societies to finance young entrepreneurs, with special focus on NYSC corps members.
Summit Closes with Charge for Action, Not Just Words
Otunba Adesola Adekoya, FCT Coordinator of NACCIMA and Chairman of the Summit’s Inauguration Committee, closed the event with heartfelt appreciation and a firm reminder.
“The value of today’s summit lies not in the words spoken, but in the actions that follow. Let us implement the recommendations and continue to collaborate for impact,” he urged.
The summit featured panel sessions with industry leaders and youth innovators, the inauguration of NYE National, Zonal, and State Executives, as well as cultural performances, group photographs, and a sign-language musical performance.
In attendance were the First Lady of Jigawa State, representatives from development agencies, government MDAs, National Assembly members, and youth-focused partners.
One resounding message echoed throughout the summit: a trillion-dollar economy begins with the youth.
From renewed trade relations to MSME empowerment and green innovation, the NACCIMA NYE International Youth Day Summit 2025 solidified its place as a national catalyst. With strong diplomatic support, policy backing, and youth leadership, Nigeria’s road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 seems more than just a dream, it is a goal already in motion.