CIPE, UNILAG, NACCIMA launch ACE certification programme
By Oluwatope Lawanson
The Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), University of Lagos, and NACCIMA have launched the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification programme in Nigeria.
Mr. Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s Global Executive Director, said on Tuesday in Lagos that the initiative was designed to boost the capacity of chambers and associations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ACE was launched by CIPE in partnership with UNILAG’s Human Resource Department and NACCIMA.
Wilson said chambers and associations remained the voice of business and a vital platform for shaping inclusive, market-driven policies.
He explained that ACE was created to strengthen governance, leadership, and operational effectiveness within business membership organisations in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The ACE programme is a crucial step towards organising the private sector voice for development.
“By equipping executives and managers with knowledge and tools, the programme aims to drive business growth and foster sustainable economic development,” Wilson said.
He noted that institutionalising ACE at UNILAG would create a platform for developing experts who could replicate the programme’s success across Africa.
Mrs Lola Adekanye , CIPE’s Regional Director for Africa, said the programme would run at two levels: executive and managers.
Adekanye explained that while the initial cohorts would prioritise leaders and staff from chambers and associations affiliated with NACCIMA.
According to her, it will eventually open more widely to professionals seeking careers in the sector.
Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, said the initiative would extend benefits across Africa by supporting trade growth and investment partnerships.
She explained that participants would gain skills in governance, finance, compliance, communication, digital systems, and anti-corruption through online and in-person sessions.
“Graduates of the programme will return to their chambers ready to train others in advocacy, coalition building, and best practices,” Ogunshola said.
Mrs Toki Mabogunje, Honorary Consul of Tanzania to Lagos, described ACE as a milestone in professionalising chamber management in Nigeria.
Mabogunje, a former President of LCCI, said the initiative would help address governance gaps, weak advocacy, and underdeveloped management systems.
She explained that the programme’s objectives included strengthening governance, financial sustainability, member engagement, and digital transformation within chambers and associations.
“Professionalisation of talent in chamber and association management is vital for effective advocacy, service delivery, and sustainability,” Mabogunje said.
She added that stronger chambers and associations would help the private sector influence pro-business policies, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve infrastructure.
“This would create a more conducive environment for business growth, investment, and job creation,” she said. NAN
