The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Nigerian government to take concrete actions towards ensuring the implementation of all international partnership agreements for development of the domestic economy.
The chamber made the call while reacting to recent international engagements of the Nigerian government, including the diplomatic overtures with Brazil and Japan.
It would be recalled that during a state visit to Brazil by President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the South American country, allowing direct flights between the two nations.Nigeria and Brazil also signed a $1 billion agricultural agreement aimed at transforming Nigeria’s food production and tackling persistent food insecurity through mechanised farming and technological innovation.
During the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TCAD9) in Japan, Nigeria, secured a $238 million loan facility from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to strengthen its national power grid.
In a statement, signed by the LCCI Director General, Dr Chinyere Almona, the chamber commended the Nigerian government for the diplomatic moves in Brazil and Japan, describing them as “new trade opportunities worth exploring” as Nigeria strives to push trade to new frontiers as global tariff tensions persist.
LCCI highlighted the importance of the BASA agreement with Brazil in boosting export markets, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
“Beyond aviation, it offers opportunities for technical partnerships in aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering, and vocational training for Nigerian youth,” it stated.
It warned that the Nigeria–Brazil BASA should not be just about flights, “but about creating new pathways for trade, mobility, and job opportunities for Nigerian youths. It must therefore be activated quickly and strategically.”
The group stated that investment gestures from Japan, Brazil and other economies would encourage Nigeria to equip its youth population with vocational and technical skills needed to explore opportunities in labour-intensive sectors, such as those found in high-manufacturing countries like Japan.
It further stated that as the government invests fresh funds into the national grid, especially with the $238 million JICA loan, there is need to invest in developing renewable energy infrastructure, boosting the adoption of CNG technologies, and creating an enabling environment that encourages states and foreign investors to participate in creating value chains.
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“The Chamber wishes to reiterate that Nigeria’s foreign policy must now focus on translating agreements into tangible outcomes,” LCCI stated, emphasising the need for private sector inclusion in implementing these bilateral agreements.
“Taking the right actions on signed agreements with new strategic partners can drive inclusive growth and boost foreign trade earnings. By combining visionary diplomacy with practical action, Nigeria can shift global perceptions from challenges to opportunities and rebrand itself as a reform-driven, youth-powered, and investment-ready economy.
“These agreements are springboards. Nigeria must link the signed deals in aviation, ICT, manufacturing, and energy to industrial growth, boost productivity, and diplomacy to development. What was signed abroad must be translated into prosperity at home,” it further stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
