The Chamber of Commerce allows a collective group of merchants, traders, craftsmen and industrialists a public forum to discuss issues facing them as a business community. In the administration of a Chamber of Commerce, one has to consider factors such as membership development, marketing, public policy, dispute resolution, capacity development, business development and sometimes legal matters. Some chambers will also have to contend with gender inclusiveness as well as youth development. This presentation tries to focus on the evolution and types of chambers of commerce and uses the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a case study to look at the best practice in the Chamber of Commerce administration.

1. Chambers of Commerce
& Industry
Understanding the Chamber of
Commerce Administration
Presentation by:
Professor Adesoji Adesugba,
Legal Adviser, NACCIMA
1

2. Introduction
Moving beyond individual interest to
that of a collective group, the
establishment of chambers provided
merchants, traders, craftsmen and
industrialists a public forum to discuss
issues facing them as a business
community.
These groups came together because
they stand a better chance of getting
things done when speaking with a
collective voice.
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3. 3
Genealogy of Chambers of
Commerce
The term “chamber of commerce” first appeared in 1599 when the first
chamber of commerce was established in Marseille, France
In the United States, it started in 1768 in New York, and later the
United States Chamber of Commerce came about in 1912.
In the United Kingdom, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, established
in 1774 was the first
2nd chamber of commerce in Africa, Lagos Chamber of Commerce 1888
NACCIMA, apex chamber of commerce in Nigeria was formed in 1960,
the year Nigeria got her independence

4. 4
Models
While chambers of commerce have evolved and grown based upon a nation’s own
historical context, two basic models prevail.
Also known as Continental or Anglo-Saxon model originated
in Great Britain and spread to Nordic countries and other
countries influenced by the British tradition. Reflecting the
more “laissez faire” economic policies of these nations,
chambers are established by the desires and needs of their
local business community.
Found mostly in the North America, Scandinavian, Belgium,
Switzerland, and British Commonwealth countries.
Private Law

5. 5
Models
Also known as Compulsory law model his type of chamber is called “public
law” as it is established and regulated by national legislation. A key
characteristic is that under most public law chamber systems, membership
is mandatory for all enterprises.
Found generally on the European continent, as well as French speaking
Africa and other former French colonies. Other countries like North Korea,
Bhutan, as well as the majority of Arab nations fall under this model.
Public-law model

6. 6
Models
Some countries have incorporated features of both private and
public model in their own political and economic development.
Such hybrid models can be found in China, Cuba, Paraguay as well
as other Latin American countries, Singapore and Vietnam. Though
established by national legislation, the chambers operate with
voluntary membership systems.
Hybrid model

7. 7
Chambers also can be as diverse in name as the business communities
they represent e.g. manufacturers, entrepreneurship, training,
shipping, commodity, exchanges, agriculture, etc.
Diversity
 Bilateral lines: Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria-
British Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria-German Chamber of
Commerce, Nigeria-Brazil, Nigeria-South Africa, etc.
 Special interest groups: Odua Chamber of Commerce
As diverse a Chambers have become representing a wide cross-section
of interests and methods, their common goal remains to support
business enterprises. Chambers are still the most important type of
multi-sectoral business organizations in the world.

8. 8
Scope
Chambers can range in scope from neighborhoods within a town or city up to an international level.
Focused on regional issues featuring cooperation with local government, may also promote broader
pro-business initiatives that cross boarders, such as promoting trade between immigrants’ group
and their home country.
Regional
Chambers:
Promotes a city’s economic interest locally and possibly globally.
City
Chambers:
Focus on advocacy or lobbying for national or broader issues
National or
International
chambers:
In some climes, businesses of a certain size are required to join a chamber of commerce, which
provides a degree of self-regulation, as well as promote member businesses, support economic
development and oversees workers training. Such chambers are popular in Europe and Japan
Compulsory
chambers:

9. 9
Why Chamber Movement Started
Chambers of commerce were formed out of the desire of businesses to have a body that would
safeguard and promote their interests. They arose due to:
Through its various policies, rules and
regulations governments has always
exerted a great deal of influence on the
way businesses are conducted. Therefore,
businessmen felt the need to have a body
that would protect their collective interests
and represent to the government their
grievances and suggestions.
Overwhelming Influence of the
government:
Tyranny of Trade unions:
Workers in various industries combined to
form trade unions. With the growth of the
trade unions, many businesses which had
strong trade unions, began to suffer some
strikes, go-slow tactics, gheraos, work
stoppages, damage to assets etc., Some of the
Trade Union demands became unattainable.
This created a strong need among the
business community to organize themselves
and provide a united front leading to the
formations of Chambers of commerce.

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Benefits of Chambers of Commerce
MembersGovernment
 The Chambers of commerce provide
feedback to the government with regard
to members opinions of government
policies.
 Gives suggestions to the government to
promote and safeguard interests of the
business community.
 Provides inputs to the government for
framing suitable economic policies.
 It serves as a forum where members can come
together, discuss common problems, share
information about best practices etc.
 They can settle disputes that might arise between
members.
 They can conduct research with regard to various
sectors of the business and about the emerging
market opportunities in India and abroad.
 They can conduct training programs to equip
members with new skills and knowledge.

11. 11
Incorporated as the Association of Chambers of Commerce in
Nigeria and the Southern Cameroons in 1960
Changed the name to Association of Chambers of Commerce and
Mines of Nigeria in 1963.
The present named National Association of Chambers of
Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) was
at, at its AGM in Ibadan in 1972 and the decision took effect in
1975.
Even though NACCIMA is the apex chamber of commerce in
Nigeria, the first attempt in Nigeria to commence the Chamber
movement was in 1888 by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (LCCI).
Chamber Movement in Nigeria
(NACCIMA)

12. 12
 Collection and dissemination of vital business information
 Monitoring the performance of the economy and making representations to the Nigerian government
and its agencies with regards to the effects of the various economic, fiscal and monetary measures
 Identification of the obstacles to the establishment and profitable operation of Commerce, industry
and other enterprises, especially those arising out of government policies, the administration of such
policies and the exertion of pressure for the removal of such obstacles.
 Organizing seminars and workshops on various aspects of the economy, business and management
 Promotion of international bilateral or multilateral business collaborations between Nigeria and other
countries.
 Image laundry for Nigeria and business interests within and outside the country.
 Mediating in commercial disputes
 Empowerment of women and Youth through its various programs
Objectives and Functions of NACCIMA
NACCIMA is also involved in the empowerment of
Youth and Women through its various programs.

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Established in August 1986
Current President created four (4) Centres that carry out specialized functions in the Chamber
ABUJA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (ACCI)
Abuja Trade Centre (ATC):
The ATC has the mandate to develop our trade related activities which includes Trade Missions, Trade Expo,
Trade data and information, Business development and so on.
Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC):
Serves as a Centre where interested parties can have an additional option for resolution of commercial
disputes. The Centre offers platforms for Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation and Negotiation aimed at
achieving expeditious, less expensive and less acrimonious access to justice.
Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC):
Organizes policy intervention activities such as policy workshops and roundtables on diverse subject
matters with the view to rigorously develop strategic framework for public policy advocacy in order
to fast track economic and social development.
BEST (Business Entrepreneurial Skills and Technology) Centre:
Has the mandate to provide capacity development services in various aspects of business including
vocational technical education.

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One influential voice
for activism
CONCLUSION
No matter the location, function, model, scale or scope of any chamber of
commerce, they are all established on the same foundation, representation of
Common Interests.
Unite
Gathering, even
amongst competitors
Network Promote Advocate
Platform for information
sharing and partnership
building
Fostering pro-business
issues

15. Thank you
for your
attention!