It was more than just a courtesy call. When the leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, visited Dataleum today, August 25, 2025, it became clear that this was the beginning of a new chapter in Lagos’ digital transformation story.
The meeting, hosted by Bode Roberts, Dataleum’s CEO and Co-founder, was filled with energy, ideas, and a shared conviction: data is no longer a luxury for Nigerian businesses, it is the lifeblood of resilience, growth, and global competitiveness.
Dr. Almona, speaking on behalf of the Chamber, emphasized that the future of commerce in Lagos lies at the intersection of innovation and collaboration.
“As an organization that has championed enterprise for decades, LCCI recognizes that data-driven insights are essential to shaping policies, guiding investments, and empowering businesses of all sizes,” she noted.
The conversation quickly moved beyond pleasantries to actionable pathways:
- Strengthening entrepreneurship and SME growth: The LCCI Innovation Hub and Dataleum will deepen collaboration to ensure young entrepreneurs and SMEs can access data-powered tools that enhance productivity and open new markets.
- Evidence-based decision-making: Dataleum was formally invited to join the Chamber as a premium member, underscoring the importance of embedding data expertise in LCCI’s policy and advocacy work.
- From dialogue to delivery: Both organizations agreed to explore pilot projects, sector-specific events, and scalable programs that convert discussions into tangible business outcomes.
- Inclusive growth: The shared goal is to ensure data-driven opportunities do not remain the preserve of large corporations but also empower smaller businesses, driving job creation and wider economic participation.
For Bode Roberts, the partnership is a validation of Dataleum’s mission to democratize access to data intelligence.
“At Dataleum, we believe every business, whether a startup or a multinational, deserves the insight that comes from data. Partnering with LCCI gives us the platform to extend that vision to thousands of enterprises across Lagos and Nigeria,” he said.
The visit ended on a note of optimism, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to building frameworks that support data-enabled prosperity.
By bridging the gap between enterprise and industry, the LCCI and Dataleum are laying the groundwork for a business ecosystem that is not only innovative but also inclusive and globally competitive.
As Lagos positions itself as Africa’s commercial nerve centre, partnerships like this may well determine how quickly the city, and Nigeria at large, can attract investment, create jobs, and secure sustainable development.