Mr Ashamu Fadipe on Saturday assumed office as the third president of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA).
Fadipe took over the leadership of the chamber from Mr Yahaya Idris, who completed his two-year tenure at a handing-over ceremony in Badagry, Lagos State.
The ceremony was held at Hunwaji Hotel, Badagry Local Government Area.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr Jani Ibrahim, urged Fadipe to strengthen business advocacy and investment promotion in Badagry.
Ibrahim, represented by NACCIMA Deputy President, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, said the new administration should deepen private sector participation in Badagry’s investment opportunities.
He also urged the administration to strengthen cross-border trade and facilitate partnerships with government agencies and business organisations.
Ibrahim said Fadipe assumed leadership at a time when businesses required strong representation, constructive policy engagement and practical support.
He expressed confidence that Fadipe would advance the interests of BACCIMA members and create greater opportunities, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises.
He said Badagry occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic landscape because of its location and importance to cross-border trade.
He said its location along the Lagos-West African corridor and proximity to the Republic of Benin offered opportunities for cross-border trade, logistics and investment.
According to him, the area’s coastal resources and growing creative economy further enhanced its economic potential.
He added that Badagry had significant agricultural and fisheries activities, as well as opportunities in tourism, hospitality and the creative economy.
Ibrahim said Lagos State had identified infrastructure development in Badagry as having potential to improve trade, commerce, tourism and economic activities.
He expressed the hope that Fadipe’s tenure would bring stronger business partnerships, increased investment, expanded trade and greater prosperity to Badagry.
Ibrahim said NACCIMA remained committed to working with BACCIMA and other chambers nationwide to promote a sustainable business environment.
The outgoing president, Idris, said his administration remained committed to result-oriented leadership during his two-year tenure.
Idris said the administration had achieved significant milestones, including stabilising BACCIMA and organising the chamber’s maiden trade fair in May 2026.
He said the administration also established and launched the BACCIMA Cooperative Society, which he said continued to grow.
Idris said the chamber strengthened engagements with key border agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Port Health and the police.
He said the engagements also involved cross-border traders, logistics providers and freight associations.
According to him, the administration championed the Federal Government’s National Biometric Project for ECOWAS mobility and advocated the proposed Badagry Deep Sea Port project.
Idris said he also conceptualised the “Invest Badagry” initiative to attract global investment, adding that, Badagry Local Government had adopted it as an implementing partner.
He said BACCIMA strengthened ties with the regional offices of the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry through joint roundtables and orientation sessions.
Idris said the engagements were aimed at formalising informal trade corridors and promoting stronger business relations.
He said the achievements were made possible through the support of leaders, partners and associates.
Idris congratulated Fadipe and expressed confidence that he would build on the existing foundation through diligence, consultation and collaboration.
The new BACCIMA president said he was honoured to become the third president of the chamber.
Fadipe promised to work with former presidents and other stakeholders to consolidate the progress already recorded by BACCIMA.
