Entrepreneurs Equipped with Practical Knowledge on Visibility, Export, Compliance and Funding
The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has successfully concluded its business capacity-building programme themed “Beyond Borders: Building a Visible, Tradable and Fundable Business.”
The programme, held from 15th –16th September 2026 at Star Rise Golden Hotel, Ajara, Badagry, brought together entrepreneurs and business owners for practical sessions aimed at helping them build more structured, visible and market-ready enterprises.
The training was anchored by Mr. Abiola Hamid, Director of Programmes & Development and opened with an address by the President of BACCIMA, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris. Six facilitators handled various sessions across the two days, with 21 participants attending on Day One and 26 on Day Two.
From Visibility to Business Formalisation
The first day focused on strengthening the foundations required for sustainable business growth.
Engr. Oluwaseun Ojeyemi led a practical session on “Visibility, Identity and Digital Shopfront for Enterprise.” His session examined the importance of leveraging Google and other digital platforms to make businesses easier to discover and position them more effectively in today’s marketplace.
Participants were guided on practical strategies for moving their enterprises from informal operations towards more formal and standardised businesses, reinforcing the importance of having a recognisable business identity and an accessible digital presence.
This was followed by a session from Mrs. Racheal Eyitayo Ariori, MD, Eyits Manna House Ltd., on Business Formalisation, Trade & Export Readiness, Record Keeping and Basic Accounting.
The session emphasised that businesses seeking to access larger markets, finance and export opportunities must first develop the right structures, documentation and financial discipline. Participants were introduced to key areas including business registration, tax documentation, regulatory requirements, export preparation and proper record keeping.
Mrs. Ariori also stressed the importance of maintaining reliable records of sales, expenses, inventory and cash flow, noting that proper records help business owners understand their performance and strengthen applications for funding and other opportunities.
The final technical session on Day One was delivered by Engr. Seton Senu, FITD, CDPO, who addressed Data Protection under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and Cyber Hygiene.
The session focused on standard cybersecurity practices and measures for safeguarding business and personal data while operating within the requirements of the NDPA. Day One concluded with participants and facilitators joining for group photographs.
Understanding the Rules of Cross-Border Trade
Day Two took participants deeper into the realities of taking their businesses beyond Nigeria’s local market.
A key session was delivered by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, J.K Iroegbu of the Nigeria Customs Service, on HS Code Classification in Practice.
Using Badagry’s strategic position as a gateway to regional trade, the Customs presentation emphasised that successful cross-border business requires compliance, proper classification of goods and accurate documentation.
Participants were introduced to the importance of the HS/Tariff Code, which Customs uses to determine applicable duties, taxes and restrictions on goods. The session also highlighted the need for businesses to understand their true costs—including logistics, duties and other charges—before pricing products for regional markets.
The session further drew attention to common export challenges such as incomplete documentation, vague product descriptions, missing regulatory certificates and failure to properly verify export requirements.
The message was particularly relevant to businesses in Badagry: opportunities exist beyond the border, but businesses must be prepared to meet the requirements of cross-border trade.
Regulation, Standards and Access to Finance
Following the Customs session, Dr. Nurudeen Audu of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) delivered a session on Regulations, Standards and Specification of Products.
His presentation focused on NAFDAC’s regulatory framework, including the process involved in product registration, standardisation requirements and applicable payment procedures for necessary regulatory services.
For entrepreneurs seeking to scale their products into larger Nigerian and international markets, the session reinforced the importance of understanding regulatory obligations early rather than treating compliance as an afterthought.
The final recorded technical session was delivered by Mr. Bankole Olayiwola of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) on Funding Readiness.
Participants were taken through procedures for accessing loans and grants through LSETF, while additional opportunities such as capacity-building programmes were also highlighted.
The session connected the programme’s earlier lessons on formalisation, documentation and record keeping with the practical requirements of presenting a business for financing. A business that understands its operations, maintains credible records and can properly document its activities is better positioned to engage with funding opportunities.
Together, the sessions reinforced a central message of the programme: a business must be properly structured, visible, compliant and financially organised to take advantage of larger opportunities.
At the close of the programme, participants shared feedback and expressed interest in continued capacity-building initiatives and future editions of the programme.
The programme concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Participation to attendees by the Director-General of BACCIMA, Engr. Seton Senu, FITD, CDPO.
Appreciation and Recognition
BACCIMA appreciates the President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, for his support and leadership in making the programme possible. The Chamber also commends the facilitators for sharing their expertise and practical insights, as well as all participants and attendees whose engagement contributed to the success of the two-day training.
During the Vote of Thanks, the programme anchor, Mr. Abiola Hamid, also recognised the contributions of Olawale C. Shittu, Youth Leader, BACCIMA, and Whenu M. Toluwani, Administrative Officer of the Chamber, acknowledging their tireless efforts in driving the programme from planning to fulfilment.
Their recognition brought the programme to a fitting close, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the successful delivery of Beyond Borders and the commitment of the Chamber’s team to creating meaningful capacity-building opportunities for businesses in Badagry.
BACCIMA Reaffirms Commitment to Business Growth
The successful completion of the Beyond Borders programme underscores BACCIMA’s commitment to equipping businesses within Badagry Division with the knowledge and connections required to grow and compete in wider markets.
From digital visibility and formalisation to export procedures, regulatory compliance and funding opportunities, participants were exposed to practical knowledge designed to help them move from simply operating businesses to building enterprises capable of entering larger markets.
With Badagry’s strategic position along the Nigeria–Benin corridor, the programme also reinforced the importance of preparing local businesses to take advantage of regional trade opportunities through knowledge, compliance and proper business structure.
BACCIMA remains committed to creating platforms that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen businesses and expand the frontiers of commerce across Badagry Division and beyond.
