The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has proposed the establishment of a permanent centre for Nigeria and United States commercial relations in Lagos.
The proposal named the Lagos Legacy Project was presented during a courtesy visit by the chamber’s governing council to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday.
Led by the chamber’s national president Sheriff Balogun, the delegation said the proposed national headquarters of the chamber would serve as a centre for commercial relations between Nigeria and the United States over the next several decades.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Balogun said the chamber’s history is closely tied to Lagos, where it was founded in 1960, the same year Nigeria gained independence.
“Lagos is not where NACC is located. Lagos is where NACC was born,” he said.
According to him, major activities of the chamber over the past six decades, including executive council meetings, annual general meetings and Nigeria-United States business summits, have all taken place in Lagos.
“Lagos has been our silent partner for six decades. Today, we come with a respectful invitation to formalise that partnership,” he added.
Balogun said the proposed centre would serve as a destination for United States trade delegations, multinational companies and commercial missions seeking opportunities in Nigeria.
He added that the project would support Lagos’ position as a major commercial centre and align with the state government’s economic and investment goals.
According to him, the project is expected to create jobs during construction and operation while supporting sectors such as hospitality, transportation and event management.
The chamber requested a 5,000 square metre parcel of land from the Lagos State Government on a concessionary long-term lease, alongside planning approvals and official support in discussions with international funding institutions.
Balogun said the chamber was not requesting direct funding from the state government.
“What we ask of Lagos State is the foundation upon which the building will stand, both literally and institutionally,” he stated.
The chamber also disclosed plans to confer the title of Honorary Life Patron of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce on Sanwo-Olu.
According to the proposal, a major hall within the facility is expected to be named “Babajide Sanwo-Olu Hall.”
Responding, the governor described the meeting as productive and focused on business opportunities and economic growth.
“I received the Governing Council of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce led by Sheriff Balogun at Lagos House, Marina, where we discussed improving business opportunities and strengthening partnerships for economic growth,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also thanked the chamber for the recognition.
“I was also honoured with the title of Honorary Life Patron and reaffirmed my commitment to stronger Nigeria–US commercial ties.”
Members of the delegation included Ehi Braimah, Grace Adeyemo, Dr Violet Abdulkadir, Tunde Temowo and Femi Bakare.
Also representing the Lagos State Government at the meeting were Sam Egube, Ope George, Gboyega Akosile and Bukola Odoe.
Founded in 1960, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce is one of the country’s oldest bilateral business chambers and focuses on promoting trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the United States.
