NACCIMA Wins Outstanding Private Sector TVET Partner Award at National Skills Conference 2026

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has been recognised as the Outstanding Private Sector TVET Partner at the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference 2026, a major national gathering focused on addressing Nigeria’s skills gap and strengthening workforce competitiveness.
The prestigious award, received on behalf of NACCIMA by its Director-General, Engr. Sola Obadimu, underscores the association’s growing influence in shaping industry-driven technical education and workforce development policies across the country.
The recognition comes under the leadership of NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, whose administration has consistently championed stronger collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure that graduates possess the practical skills demanded by modern industries.
The National TVET Conference, regarded as Nigeria’s foremost platform for technical and vocational education discourse, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, academics, and international stakeholders to explore innovative pathways for job creation and economic growth.
Held in Lagos, the conference was convened by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).
The conference theme, “Harnessing TVET as a Pathway to Employment: Building a System for Employability, Inclusion, and Green Growth in Nigeria,” highlighted the urgent need to align skills acquisition with emerging economic opportunities and sustainable development goals.
Driving Industry-Relevant Skills Development
Organisers noted that the award reflects NACCIMA’s sustained efforts in advancing industry-led training programmes, promoting apprenticeship opportunities, and fostering stronger linkages between employers and vocational institutions.
For years, NACCIMA has advocated for a demand-driven TVET framework that responds directly to labour market realities, helping to bridge the disconnect between education outcomes and employer expectations.
Industry observers say the recognition is particularly significant at a time when Nigeria faces rising youth unemployment, growing demand for technical competencies, and increasing pressure on businesses to source skilled manpower locally.
Through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, NACCIMA has worked to support enterprise development, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness across multiple sectors of the economy.
Why the Award Matters
Analysts believe the award highlights the increasingly critical role of the organised private sector in addressing Nigeria’s human capital challenges.
According to stakeholders at the conference, government-led educational reforms alone may not be sufficient to close the country’s widening skills gap. Strong participation from industry remains essential to ensure that training programmes produce graduates equipped for real-world employment opportunities.
NACCIMA’s recognition therefore signals growing acknowledgment that employers must play a central role in curriculum design, workplace learning opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and certification standards.
The association has repeatedly emphasised that skills development remains one of the most effective tools for boosting productivity, attracting investment, supporting industrialisation, and reducing unemployment.
International Support for Nigeria’s TVET Agenda
The conference also demonstrated broad international commitment to Nigeria’s skills development ambitions.
Key development partners supporting the initiative included the Government of France, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the German Government through GIZ-SKYE, the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the Swiss Government, the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), UNESCO, ECOWAS, and other international organisations.
Stakeholders stressed that strengthening TVET systems is crucial for preparing Nigeria’s workforce for emerging industries, green economy opportunities, technological innovation, and future labour market demands.
NACCIMA Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking after receiving the award, NACCIMA reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with government agencies, development partners, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s TVET ecosystem.
The association stated that future interventions would continue to focus on aligning skills acquisition programmes with industry needs, improving employability outcomes, supporting entrepreneurship, and contributing to national economic transformation.
High-Level Participation
The conference attracted an impressive lineup of policymakers, education experts, diplomats, and development partners, including:
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Kadri Obafemi Hamzat;
Tunji Alausa;
Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun;
Karin Jansen;
Moronke Azeez;
Daniel Krull;
Conny Camenzind;
Laurent Favier;
Massimo De Luca;
Charles Odii;
Norman Khoza;
Olusoji Adeniyi;
Idris Bugaje; and
Abayomi Arigbabu.
Also representing NACCIMA at the conference was Mr. Willem Inya, Research Manager of the association.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy and create sustainable employment opportunities, experts say institutions such as NACCIMA will remain pivotal in ensuring that vocational and technical education translates into meaningful jobs, stronger enterprises, and enhanced national competitiveness.
The award serves not only as recognition of NACCIMA’s achievements but also as a call for deeper public-private collaboration in building a skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic future.
NACCIMA has been honoured as Outstanding Private Sector TVET Partner at the National TVET Conference 2026 in Lagos, recognising its contributions to skills development, youth employability, and industry-driven vocational education in Nigeria.