Why we’re cutting ties with NACCIMA, Kano Chamber of Commerce
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), says it is withdrawing its membership of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), over unresolved concerns on constitutional compliance.
KACCIMA President, Amb. Usman Hassan Darma, stated this in a statement in Kano, saying that NACCIMA had been violating procedural governance and institutional integrity within the national body.
KACCIMA’s action came shortly after the conclusion of its general meeting in Port Harcourt where NACCIMA purportedly approved the ratification of Dala Council of Chamber in Kano.
Darma faulted the ratification for lacking constitutional provisions, saying that efforts to resolve the internal engagement and correspondence with NACCIMA were not successful, hence the decision to exit the body.
According to him, KACCIMA has submitted an initial petition to NACCIMA on May 26, 2026, raising concerns over governance issues, and subsequently received a response from the Director-General of the national body on June 2, 2026.
However, Darma said further review indicated that fundamental principles of constitutional governance and institutional procedures had not been adequately upheld.
“KACCIMA believes that a strong private sector depends on strict adherence to constitutional rules, mutual respect and transparent leadership,” he said.
He identified several factors that informed its decision to sever ties with NACCIMA, including concerns over the admission process of the proposed Dala Chamber of Commerce, which it alleged did not fully comply with the requirements stipulated under Article 5 of NACCIMA’s Memorandum and Articles of association.
Darma argued that the registration process bypassed critical consultations and engagement with the chamber, which it described as the primary recognised representative of the Kano business community.
He also raised concerns over what it termed as conflicts of interest arising from the involvement of individuals occupying leadership positions in both organisations, warning that such overlaps could compromise fiduciary responsibilities owed to KACCIMA.
According to him, bypassing established verification and administrative procedures could create an unsustainable precedent capable of weakening the operational structure of chambers across the country.
Darma added that procedural lapses risk fragmenting the business community and undermining the collective voice of Nigeria’s private sector at a time when unity and collaboration are essential.
Despite the withdrawal, he reiterated KACCIMA’s support for the growth and expansion of the chamber movement in Nigeria, stressing that such expansion must be pursued through lawful, transparent and inclusive processes that protect the interests of all stakeholders.
Darma assured members and the wider business community that it would continue to operate independently and remain committed to supporting businesses, promoting economic innovation and advancing sustainable commercial development in Kano State and Nigeria.
