2026: ACCI calls for policy stability, MSME protection, contractor debts settlement private-sector-led growth

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The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, has extended warm New Year greetings to Nigerians, particularly members of the business community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

As the world ushers in 2026, the Chamber expresses cautious optimism about emerging opportunities for business growth, private sector expansion, and sustainable economic development, despite persistent global and domestic economic pressures.

Chief Obegolu commended the resilience, perseverance, and adaptability of Nigerian businesses in navigating the economic headwinds of 2025.

He applauded their sustained commitment to innovation, enterprise, and value creation amid inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, high energy costs, rising interest rates, and constrained access to finance.

According to him, these realities have further reinforced the importance of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and Chambers of Commerce as the collective and credible voice of businesses, advocating policies that promote stability, competitiveness, and inclusive economic growth.

In his New Year message, the ACCI President called for policy consistency, sustained stakeholder engagement, and private-sector-friendly reforms aimed at easing the cost of doing business and safeguarding enterprises, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

“While economic reforms are necessary, they must be carefully sequenced and intentionally designed to protect MSMEs and organised businesses, in order to prevent avoidable closures, job losses, and capital flight,” he stated.

Chief Obegolu also drew attention to the burden of over ₦720 billion in outstanding contractor debts, noting that the continued non-settlement of verified obligations is exerting severe pressure on businesses, especially indigenous contractors and MSMEs operating within the FCT and across the country.

“The backlog of unpaid contractor debts has significantly weakened cash flows, disrupted supply chains, and constrained the capacity of many businesses to meet financial obligations, retain jobs, and reinvest for growth. We urge government to prioritise the transparent verification and timely settlement of these debts as a strategic stimulus to the economy,” he said.

He further urged the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to intensify efforts toward creating a more enabling, competitive, and predictable business environment in the FCT.

The ACCI President observed that Abuja has evolved beyond a predominantly civil service city into a rapidly growing commercial, construction, and investment hub, stressing that infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and business support systems must be upgraded to match this growth and effectively support enterprise development.

As the Leader of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the FCT and its environs, Chief Obegolu reaffirmed that the Chamber remains steadfast in its advocacy for policies that enable businesses to operate with ease, scale sustainably, support livelihoods, contribute meaningfully to national economic development, and build globally competitive Nigerian brands.

He also reaffirmed ACCI’s readiness to continue constructive engagement and collaboration with government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that economic policies are aligned with business realities and that reforms translate into tangible benefits for enterprises and citizens.

While acknowledging ongoing global economic uncertainties, Chief Obegolu expressed hope that 2026 will usher in greater stability, predictability, and productivity in Nigeria’s business environment, enabling enterprises to thrive, expand, and create shared prosperity.

On behalf of the Executive Council and members of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he wished Nigerians a prosperous, productive, and fulfilling New Year, marked by growth, innovation, and inclusive economic progress.