Kemi Ajumobi 
Dr. Chinyere Peace Almona (PhD) was raised in a strong Christian home by her late father, Reverend Canon Israel Anyadike Nwankwo, and her mother, Associate Professor Joyce Nwanne Nwankwo—a blend of ministry, discipline, academic excellence, and purpose. She is the third of six children, and her upbringing shaped her deep values of faith, integrity, service, and leadership.
Dr. Almona is joyfully married to Obi Christopher Almona, from Aboh in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, and together they are blessed with three adult children who continue the legacy of excellence, service, and purpose.
She is currently the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) — Lagos, Nigeria.The LCCI is West Africa’s leading private-sector advocacy body, established in 1888, with over 4,000 corporate members spanning 26 sectoral groups. As Director General, she provides strategic leadership to promote a competitive business environment, facilitate trade and investment, and shape national and regional economic policy.
At Vantage Governance Services (VGS), she founded and led the governance and sustainability advisory firm dedicated to strengthening governance frameworks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), financial institutions, and development-focused organisations across Africa. VGS was established to bridge the gap between global governance standards and Africa’s local business realities.
Chinyere was Regional Program Manager (Senior Corporate Governance Officer), International Finance Corporation (IFC, World Bank Group) — Lagos, Nigeria, where she led IFC’s Africa-wide corporate governance advisory operations, establishing laws, and improving board performance, governance systems, and institutional resilience for private and state-owned entities across 13 African countries. She also led governance reforms for over 40 African institutions across 13 African countries.
At PricewaterhouseCoopers, she was Director, Governance, Risk & Compliance, where she provided strategic leadership in governance, risk, and compliance advisory services, overseeing a multidisciplinary team delivering ESG, governance, and regulatory transformation solutions to clients across West Africa
Chinyere is a member of several distinguished boards and a recipient of several awards in honour of her work and expertise.
She has an MBA in Admin, from Enugu State University of Technology Business School, Enugu, Nigeria and she is undertaking an MSc. in International Relations, University of East London (UEL). Chinyere has a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), Business School Netherlands, and she is a certified leadership coach.
She is deeply passionate about people development, women empowerment, and leadership transformation. Her work, both formal and informal, reflects a consistent commitment to helping others rise, thrive, and lead.
Above all, Dr. Chinyere Almona embodies a life dedicated to faith, excellence, impact, and service. Whether in leadership circles, ministry environments, boardrooms, classrooms, or communities, she remains committed to inspiring others to step into their highest calling and to build a world where integrity, compassion, competence, and purpose lead the way.
Lesson or value from your parents that has significantly shaped your approach to leadership and service
One of the most defining lessons I inherited from my parents is the unwavering value of integrity expressed through service. My father, Rev. Canon Israel Nwankwo, served faithfully as a clergyman in the Anglican Church, and through his life I learnt that leadership is not a status, it is stewardship. He often reminded us that character is the leader’s true currency, and once compromised, it is difficult to restore. His life taught me that leadership must first be accountable to God, and then to those you are privileged to lead.
My mother, Professor Joyce Nwankwo, spent many years as an academic and shaped my understanding of discipline, resilience, and compassion. She modelled excellence with humility and served with a rare balance of strength and empathy. From her, I learnt that leadership is not only about results, it is also about how people feel because you passed through their lives.
Together, my parents engraved in me the belief that true influence is not proven by title, position, or applause, but by the quality of impact and the legacy you leave behind. These values continue to shape my leadership philosophy and remind me daily that the highest form of leadership is service that is purposeful, principled, and people-centered.
What motivated you to take on the role of Director General/CEO of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry?
Stepping into the role of Director General of the LCCI felt like a purposeful convergence of my professional journey and personal mission. For many years, my work in corporate governance, development finance, and private-sector competitiveness exposed me to the structural gaps and untapped potential within African enterprise. I have always believed that strong economies are built on strong institutions — and strong institutions are built on sound governance, innovation, and an enabling business environment.
This conviction inspired my book, Corporate Governance for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in African Economies, which advocates for greater appreciation and adoption of governance principles among SMEs. That work deepened my passion for strengthening the backbone of Africa’s private sector, and the LCCI role presented a national platform to advance that mission in a practical, strategic, and far-reaching way.
Leading LCCI was not just a career step, it was alignment. It offered the opportunity to serve, influence policy, support businesses of all sizes, and help create a more competitive, resilient, and globally connected Nigerian economy. For me, it is a calling rooted in purpose, experience, and a deep commitment to helping businesses thrive.
Describe challenges you faced when you first assumed leadership and how you overcame them
When I assumed leadership at LCCI, one of the immediate realities was the complexity of navigating diverse stakeholder expectations. The Chamber represents a broad constituency: government agencies seeking alignment with policy frameworks, multinational corporations expecting continuity of standards, SMEs looking for advocacy and practical support, development institutions exploring partnership pathways, and sectoral business associations requiring targeted engagement. Each group had different priorities, and balancing these expectations while maintaining a unified strategic direction required deliberate patience and thoughtful leadership.
Internally, another key challenge was strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring that our processes, systems, and governance structures were aligned with the level of influence and responsibility the Chamber carries. There is always a delicate transition period in leadership, the task is not only to build but to preserve what is working, while evolving areas that need modernisation, efficiency, and innovation. Doing this without disrupting institutional memory and stability demanded both sensitivity and decisiveness.
I approached these challenges with a mindset rooted in listening and learning. I spent considerable time engaging stakeholders, asking questions, studying history, and understanding context before initiating change. This allowed me to identify priority areas for restructuring, clarify roles and expectations, and reinforce a culture of shared leadership rather than directive administration.
Building trust became essential. Transparency, consistent communication, and demonstrating early wins helped strengthen credibility. I also prioritised empowering the internal team, ensuring they had the clarity, resources, and autonomy needed to perform optimally. Over time, the combination of clear vision, collaborative leadership, systems strengthening, and strategic execution created alignment and momentum across the organisation.
Those early challenges ultimately became catalysts for growth, sharpening strategic focus, deepening stakeholder collaboration, and positioning the Chamber to operate with greater agility, relevance, and long-term impact.
Key initiatives or projects you are currently focusing on
At this stage of our transformation journey at LCCI, we are intentionally strengthening initiatives that expand economic opportunity, deepen competitiveness, and reinforce the Chamber’s relevance in an evolving global landscape. Some of our key focus areas include:
- Advancing Trade Facilitation and Export Competitiveness:
We are actively supporting private-sector readiness for regional and global trade, particularly under AfCFTA. This includes exporter certification support, policy dialogues on trade logistics, and connecting Nigerian businesses to continental and international value chains. - Strengthening Sector-Based Advocacy and Policy Influence:
Through more structured sectoral groups and evidence-based research outputs, we are enhancing our engagement with policymakers to shape reforms that support enterprise growth, innovation, and investment confidence. - Driving Digital Transformation and Data-Driven Engagement:
We are modernising internal processes, upgrading digital communication channels, and building a smarter data ecosystem that enables real-time insights, member intelligence, and improved service delivery. - Building Capacity for MSMEs and Emerging Businesses:
As MSMEs form the backbone of the Nigerian economy, we are rolling out targeted programs for financing, business development, corporate governance, export readiness, and digital literacy to help them scale sustainably. - Deepening International Partnerships and Investment Linkages:
We are expanding strategic relationships with economic blocs, investment agencies, international chambers, and bilateral trade platforms to increase inbound and outbound investment, accelerate technology transfer, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in global commerce.
These and many other initiatives reflect our vision of positioning LCCI as a premier business catalyst for Nigeria and the African continent, supporting meaningful participation in AfCFTA and reinforcing the role of the private sector as a driver of economic transformation.
Why women empowerment matters to you and effective strategies for advancing gender equity
Women empowerment is deeply personal to me—not only because I am a woman, but because I have lived, observed, and supported journeys where unlocked potential has transformed lives. When women rise, the ripple effect extends far beyond the individual. It strengthens families, elevates communities, drives innovation, and accelerates national development. Across Africa and around the world, we have seen that societies thrive when women are fully included and equipped to contribute at their highest level.
However, empowerment does not happen by accident—it requires intentional structures and pathways. Effective strategies must go beyond inspiration and focus on access, opportunities, and systems that sustain progress. These include mentorship and sponsorship, which help women navigate leadership pathways with confidence; representation at decision-making tables, because visibility matters; inclusive workplace policies that address bias and structural inequities; and equitable access to finance and resources, especially for women entrepreneurs who remain disproportionately underfunded.
Equally important are work environments where women do not have to choose between competence and acceptance, ambition and family, or career and dignity. Real empowerment is about creating spaces where women are seen, heard, supported, and respected—and where their leadership is not an exception but a norm.
Ultimately, empowering women is not a favour, it is a smart economic and societal strategy. When women thrive, nations prosper.
The future role of women in leadership in Africa
The future of leadership in Africa is undeniably shifting, and women are at the centre of that transformation. Over the next decade, we will see women increasingly shaping the direction of innovation, governance, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and nation-building. The narrative is evolving—women are no longer waiting to be invited into leadership spaces; they are redefining them. The era of merely asking for space is coming to an end. Women are now building the tables, redesigning the frameworks, influencing systems, and intentionally lifting others as they rise.
African women are demonstrating remarkable resilience, creativity, and competence across every sector. This momentum is being reinforced by generational shifts, expanded access to education, increased economic participation, and a growing recognition that gender diversity is not just a moral imperative—it is a competitive advantage.
Through my books The Future-Focused Female Leader and Ways Women Lead Well, I have explored this evolving leadership landscape and highlighted models of leadership that are authentic, value-driven, and impactful. The future will belong to women who are bold, visionary, collaborative, and unapologetic about the value they bring.
Africa is entering a season where women will not only participate in leadership—they will shape its identity.
Current state of commerce and industry in Nigeria
Nigeria’s commercial and industrial landscape today reflects a compelling blend of resilience and untapped potential. The private sector continues to demonstrate remarkable adaptability despite operating in a challenging environment. Businesses face persistent pressures such as high operating costs, foreign exchange volatility, infrastructure constraints, supply chain disruptions, and shifting regulatory frameworks. These factors have, understandably, tempered growth and introduced uncertainty for many enterprises.
Yet, beneath these pressures lies a powerful current of ingenuity and determination. Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit remains one of the most dynamic in the world. From small enterprises to established industries, innovation continues to thrive — whether in manufacturing, creative industries, agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, or the increasingly vibrant services economy.
Emerging sectors, including fintech, value-added agriculture, circular economy solutions, and export-oriented manufacturing, signal the country’s capacity for transformation. With the right policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and trade facilitation mechanisms, Nigeria is well positioned to unlock stronger industrial competitiveness and deeper integration into global value chains.
In essence, Nigeria’s business environment is not defined by its challenges, but by its resilience, creativity, and potential. The opportunity ahead is significant, and with strategic collaboration between policymakers, industry players, and development partners, the next chapter of Nigeria’s commerce and industry can be one of accelerated growth, sustainability, and global relevance.
How Nigerian businesses can become globally competitive
For Nigerian businesses to compete confidently on the global stage, there must be a deliberate shift from operating purely in survival mode to building with strategy, scalability, and sustainability in mind. Competitiveness today goes beyond price, it is anchored in value creation, innovation, and excellence.
To thrive internationally, Nigerian businesses must strengthen productivity, embrace technology, and consistently adhere to global quality and certification standards. Corporate governance remains a critical enabler, as transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices build investor confidence and open doors to international partnerships and markets.
Digital transformation is no longer optional, it is a key differentiator in efficiency, customer engagement, supply chain optimisation, and access to global opportunities. Additionally, businesses must deepen capacity for research and development, product design, branding, and intellectual property protection to move beyond commodity-based competition.
Ultimately, global competitiveness requires a mindset shift, from short-term survival to long-term value, from informal approaches to structured systems, and from imitation to innovation. With strategic intent, investment in talent, stronger governance, and purposeful collaboration, Nigerian businesses can not only compete globally, they can lead.
Key policy changes needed
To unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential and create a truly enabling environment for business competitiveness, several strategic policy reforms are essential:
· A Stable and Predictable Regulatory Environment:Policy consistency and regulatory clarity are critical for long-term planning, investment confidence, and reduced operational risk. Businesses thrive when the rules are transparent, consultative, and reliable.
· Incentives for Local Production and Value Addition:Strengthening backward integration, encouraging domestic manufacturing, and supporting local supply chains will enhance productivity, reduce import dependency, and stimulate job creation across key sectors.
· Simplified and Transparent Tax Administration:Streamlining tax systems, reducing multiple taxation, and improving compliance frameworks will relieve pressure on businesses—particularly MSMEs—while broadening the formal tax base and enhancing government revenue efficiency.
· Improved Trade Logistics and Export Facilitation:Enhancing port processes, customs efficiency, and transport infrastructure will lower cost-to-market, strengthen export capacity, and enable Nigerian products to compete more effectively within AfCFTA and beyond.
· Energy and Infrastructure Reforms:Reliable power supply, modern transport networks, and stronger digital infrastructure are foundational for productivity, industrialization, and economic diversification. Improved infrastructure is not only an economic necessity—it is a strategic advantage.
Collectively, these policy priorities will help build a more competitive economy, attract investment, accelerate industrial growth, and position Nigeria as a leading trade and business hub on the continent.
The role of LCCI in shaping policy decisions
LCCI plays a pivotal and strategic role in Nigeria’s economic landscape as the collective voice of the organised private sector. Through evidence-based advocacy, LCCI provides informed perspectives that help shape policies affecting business and investment. We engage in structured dialogues with government institutions, regulators, and legislators, presenting research-driven insights, policy recommendations, and sectoral feedback that reflect the realities and priorities of businesses.
Our role extends beyond advocacy, we facilitate constructive partnership between policymakers and the private sector, ensuring that reforms are inclusive, practical, and aligned with national development objectives. By convening thought leaders, sector groups, and international partners, LCCI creates platforms where ideas translate into actionable frameworks, and where the business community contributes meaningfully to shaping a more predictable, competitive, and enabling economic environment.
Ultimately, our mission is to ensure that the voice of business is not only heard but respected, and that policy outcomes support sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity across the Nigerian economy.
Impact of infrastructure development
Infrastructure remains one of the most critical drivers of economic competitiveness and national development. It forms the foundation upon which industries operate, supply chains are built, and trade flows. When infrastructure — such as energy supply, road networks, ports, water systems, telecommunications, and logistics corridors — is weak or unreliable, the cost of doing business rises significantly. This leads to reduced productivity, inefficiencies across value chains, diminished investor confidence, and slowed economic growth.
Conversely, countries that prioritise infrastructure development create an enabling environment where businesses can scale, industries can innovate, and commerce can flourish. Efficient transport systems lower logistics costs, stable energy supply drives industrial output, and modern ports facilitate seamless export and import processes. Robust digital infrastructure further accelerates competitiveness by enabling e-commerce, automation, financial inclusion, and participation in the global digital economy.
In essence, improving infrastructure is not just about physical assets — it is about unlocking opportunity. Every kilometre of road paved, every watt of reliable power supplied, and every port system upgraded strengthens the economy’s capacity to grow, compete, and attract long-term investment.
Infrastructure development is therefore not optional, it is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic future.
Technology and its impact on commerce
Technology has become one of the most powerful forces reshaping commerce and redefining how businesses operate. It is transforming traditional business models, revolutionising service delivery, streamlining supply chains, and expanding market access in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. From digital payments to smart logistics, from automation to e-commerce platforms connecting buyers and sellers across continents, technology is levelling the playing field and democratising opportunity.
Today, competitiveness is increasingly determined not by size, but by agility, innovation, and digital readiness. Businesses that embrace emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, data analytics, e-commerce, automation, fintech solutions, and digital customer engagement—are positioning themselves for sustained relevance in the global marketplace. Those that resist digital transformation risk being left behind.
In essence, technology is not merely an enabler—it is a catalyst for inclusion, efficiency, and exponential growth. As Nigeria continues integrating digital solutions across sectors, the businesses that invest in technology-driven transformation will not only survive—they will define the future economy.
Boosting foreign direct investment
Foreign Direct Investment flourishes in environments where stability, clarity, and confidence converge. Investors are drawn to markets with predictable policies, transparent regulatory processes, and strong institutions that uphold the rule of law. When risks are manageable and the operating environment is clear, investors are more willing to commit capital, transfer technology, and build long-term partnerships.
For Nigeria to position itself as a top investment destination in Africa, we must strengthen the fundamentals that drive investor confidence: modern infrastructure, consistent macroeconomic policies, simplified licensing processes, competitive incentives, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Strategic reforms that improve ease of doing business, enhance logistics efficiency, and deepen public-private dialogue will also be critical in unlocking capital inflows.
Nigeria possesses extraordinary potential, our population, talent, natural resources, and emerging innovation ecosystem are compelling assets. By aligning these strengths with investor-friendly policies and a reliable governance framework, we can transform intention into investment and investment into sustainable economic growth.
In essence, attracting FDI is not only about capital, it is about creating an environment where global investors see Nigeria not as a high-risk option, but as a strategic and rewarding opportunity.
Improving export capabilities
For Nigerian businesses to fully participate in regional and global markets, export capability must be intentionally strengthened. Export readiness goes beyond ambition — it requires systems, standards, and strategic support. Businesses need access to market intelligence, product certification, standards compliance, efficient logistics, and appropriate financing mechanisms to compete internationally with confidence and credibility.
Capacity-building must also be paired with institutional support structures that simplify export processes and reduce barriers to entry. Platforms such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offer unprecedented opportunities to expand into new markets, leverage regional value chains, and showcase Nigerian products beyond borders. Through partnerships with government agencies, trade promotion bodies, financial institutions, and international organizations, we are working to equip businesses with the knowledge, networks, and tools they need to export successfully.
Ultimately, strengthening export capability is not only about increasing trade volumes — it is about building globally competitive enterprises, diversifying the economy, and positioning Nigeria as a key player in international commerce.
Impact of local content policies
Local content policies have played a significant role in increasing domestic participation and strengthening national capacity in key sectors, particularly oil and gas. These policies have created opportunities for indigenous businesses, stimulated job creation, and encouraged local value addition. They have also contributed to skills transfer and the development of supply chain ecosystems that previously did not exist at scale.
However, the long-term success of local content frameworks requires a careful balance between national priorities and the realities of global competitiveness. While protection and preferential access are important in the early stages, they must be paired with investments in quality standards, innovation, technology adoption, and capacity-building. Equally essential is fostering an environment where collaboration between local firms and international partners supports meaningful knowledge transfer, rather than dependency or superficial compliance.
Ultimately, effective local content policy is not just about reserving market share, it is about building globally competitive enterprises that can stand confidently on local and international platforms. When implemented thoughtfully, supported by strong governance, and aligned with broader economic development strategies, local content policies can accelerate industrialisation and position Nigerian businesses for sustainable global relevance
Future trends shaping business in Nigeria
The business landscape in Nigeria is evolving rapidly, shaped by transformative forces that will redefine how organisations operate, compete, and grow. Several emerging trends are poised to influence the future of commerce and industry:
· Rise of the Digital Economy and Automation:Digital adoption, AI, and automation will reshape business processes, optimise efficiency, and expand new models of value creation.
· Growth of the Green and Circular Economy:Sustainability imperatives, climate considerations, and resource optimisation will shift industries toward cleaner energy, responsible production, and waste-to-value systems.
· AfCFTA-Driven Regional Trade:The African Continental Free Trade Area offers unprecedented market access, regional value chains, and cross-border collaboration opportunities, transforming Nigeria from a single market perspective to a continental one.
· Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship:Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem will continue to birth solutions that address local challenges with global relevance—particularly in tech, finance, agriculture, and creative industries.
· Increasing Focus on Governance, Compliance, and ESG Standards:Investors and stakeholders are prioritising ethical practice, transparency, and environmental and social responsibility, making strong governance a competitive advantage.
· Youth-Powered Enterprise and Talent Transformation:With one of the youngest populations in the world, innovation, digital fluency, and new workplace models will be driven by youth-led leadership and emerging skills.
As these trends accelerate, businesses must respond not only with optimism, but with agility, strategic foresight, continuous innovation, and a commitment to building the capacity needed to remain resilient and relevant in a rapidly changing world.