Crossing Borders: LCCI’s New Vision for Continental Competitiveness

On December 4, 2025, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) elected Engr. Leye Kupoluyi as its 44th President and Chairman of Council. In his first major policy address in January 2026, Kupoluyi signaled a strategic pivot for the 137-year-old institution: moving beyond local advocacy to championing the continental competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

As Africa transitions into a “borderless economy,” Kupoluyi argues that Nigeria—as the continent’s largest economy—must act as the “arrowhead” of African trade and industry.

The 2026 Advocacy Pillar: “Evidence-Based Engagement”

Kupoluyi’s tenure focuses on three key areas to strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity:

• Regional Dominance: Advocacy that enables Nigerian companies to compete effectively not just within the country, but across the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

• Formalizing Trade: Addressing the challenges of “informal” trade (smuggling) by advocating for legitimate, legal export channels, especially into shrinking West African markets (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger).

• Infrastructure for Growth: Pressing for “dining table benefits”—where macro reforms in petrol subsidies and FX unification translate into cheaper electricity, better roads, and rural broadband access.

Navigating the “Tax Reform Shocks”

With the implementation of new tax laws starting January 1, 2026, Kupoluyi views the transition as a net positive despite initial “shocks.”

1. Relief for Low-Earners: The removal of low-income earners from the tax net.

2. Harmonization: Consolidating the “epidemic” of multiple taxations (some companies previously faced over 16 different taxes) into a transparent, predictable system.

3. Expanded Net: Widening the tax base through digitalization rather than increasing the burden on existing compliant businesses.

The “Muscle” of Nigerian Industry

When asked if Nigerian firms have the “muscle” to compete internationally, Kupoluyi’s stance is firm: “If we do not have the muscle, then we have to develop it.” He identifies Nigeria’s “forward-looking population” as the country’s most fertile resource for development.

Leye Kupoluyi: Professional Profile