Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Commissions ACCI BEST Centre, Assures Strong Partnership With Chamber

By our Correspondent

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, has commissioned the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Udeh commended ACCI for establishing the Centre, describing it as a project that aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to innovation, science, technology and private sector–led development.

He assured that the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology would partner effectively with ACCI, particularly in the areas of training and skills acquisition, to help bridge the manpower skills gap in the country.

In his remarks, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said the BEST Centre would provide the necessary training and skills acquisition required to create jobs and empower Nigeria’s teeming youth population.

Chief Obegolu noted that the Centre would also serve as a practical platform where ideas are nurtured, talents developed and enterprises strengthened.

He explained that upon assuming office as ACCI President, the leadership recognised the vital role the BEST Centre had been playing in capacity building and skills development, stressing that no economy can grow sustainably without continuous investment in people, their knowledge, skills and ability to innovate. According to him, the decision to develop a new purpose-built structure was a strategic move to expand the Centre’s capacity, enhance its training environment and position it as a standard hub for both local and international training.

The ACCI President further stated that the BEST Centre is designed as a modern training and innovation facility that will deliver practical, industry-driven programmes for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, professionals and young people. He added that the Centre will host training in entrepreneurship, digital skills, innovation management, policy dialogue, leadership development and emerging technologies.

“Our goal is simple but ambitious: to equip businesses and individuals with the tools they need not just to survive, but to compete and thrive in an increasingly dynamic and global economy. This Centre also reflects our belief in collaboration. We envision the BEST Centre as a meeting point for government, the private sector, development partners, academia and innovators,” he said.

Chief Obegolu emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, noting that the Ministry’s mandate aligns with the objectives of the Centre. He expressed optimism about deepening cooperation in areas such as technology adoption, research commercialisation, innovation ecosystems and skills development.

He added that the commissioning of the Centre is a testament to the resilience and commitment of ACCI, noting that despite economic headwinds and evolving business challenges, the Chamber has remained focused on delivering projects that create long-term value for its members and the wider economy.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Council, ACCI BEST Centre, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, who conceptualised the Centre, said it is equipped with about eight training rooms, multimedia facilities, constant electricity supply, a café, library and workspaces for young innovators, among other facilities required for effective training and skills development.

Prof. Adesugba, who is also the First Deputy President of ACCI, disclosed that the BEST Centre has trained and graduated over 4,000 people in the past five years, while partnering with other organisations to sustain high standards in training and skills development.

He explained that many professionals use the Centre as a hub for their businesses, while it also serves as a platform for specialised skills training for students, ACCI members and the general public. He added that the Centre operates an employment bureau to facilitate job placement for trainees.

Earlier, the Director of the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, Dr. Tinuke Temitope, said the newly commissioned ultra-modern, world-class facility aims to double the number of beneficiaries trained in the past five years within the next few years. She stated that the Centre remains open to partnerships.

Dr. Temitope explained that the primary objective of the BEST Centre is to support enterprise development, particularly for young Nigerian innovators.

“As a training centre for ACCI, we are committed to ensuring that what we offer our members and the entire business community empowers them and enhances their economic viability,” she added.