NACCIMA president, Mr Jani Ibrahim, said this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Thursday.
Ibrahim said: “Our business has a challenge, to move Nigeria to a one trillion-dollar economy.
“But in doing so, we want that economy to reach the grassroots. It must get to the grassroots.”
He said the delegation, drawn from Nigeria and neighbouring countries, showed the chamber movement’s wide reach, describing it as one of Africa’s largest.
According to him, the team visited the ancient Kurmi Market to assess real sector activities at the local level.
“If you are looking for grassroots engagement, you cannot have it better than what we saw at Kurmi Market,” he said.
He added that the market’s long history reflected Kano’s enduring status as a commercial hub.
Ibrahim reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, stressing its entrepreneurship platform targets wealth creation.
Responding, the Emir, represented by the Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, commended the association’s initiatives, especially youth development.
He said entrepreneurship programmes were critical, given Nigeria’s youthful population and rising unemployment.
“It is commendable that NACCIMA is encouraging young people to become job creators instead of job seekers,” he said.
Sanusi urged the delegation to explore Kano’s cultural heritage, including Kofar Mata Dye Pits and Gidan Makama Museum.
He appreciated the visit and expressed hope for sustained collaboration between traditional institutions and the organised private sector.
Also speaking, Alhaji Usman Hassan-Darma, president, Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, praised the Emirate Council for organising a durbar procession for the delegation. (NAN)