NIGERIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE PARTNERS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN TACKLING RECESSION
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA said it is going to collaborate with Federal Government in jointly addressed the recession problem currently facing the country.
The first female President of the chambers,Chief(Mrs) Alaba Lawson made this known Thursday night in her acceptance speech during her investiture held at Marque Event Centre,located in Olusegun Obasanjo Library,Abeokuta.
Lawson assured that,under the new dispensation, the body would organise and embark on Trade Missions to different countries to foster robust and beneficial collaboration,which will stimulates enterprise development and economic growth of Nigeria
‘Under the new dispensation, NACCIMA would organize and embark on Trade Missions to different countries and meet with their Chambers of Commerce and business associations to foster robust and beneficial collaboration that will stimulate enterprise development and economic growth in our respective countries’,Lawson said.
The chambers boss added that,the new dispensation will also launch NACCIMA Youth Group immediately with members drawn from the 3 regions West, East and North to create more Youth Entrepreneurs and impact positively in the lives of the Nigeria Youth and Nigeria as a country.
‘It is also going to be our priority to pay visits to our City and State Chambers, Bilateral Chambers and Regional Chambers to evaluate the performances of Chamber Movement in different localities in Nigeria and proffer necessary solutions to identify challenges the Chambers may be facing’.
The chambers commended President Muhammed Buhari bold step of redirecting Nigeria’s economy from a monolithic one that derives the largest chunk of her revenue from petroleum to a multi-faceted economy.
‘It is also quite instructive and heartwarming to note that the current administration in Nigeria led by President Mohammed Buhari GCFR has taken the bold step of re-directing Nigeria’s economy from a monolithic one that derives the largest chunk of her revenue from petroleum to a multi-faceted economy with emphasis on Non-oil sectors like Agriculture, solid mineral and industrial growth’.
‘It is very interesting to note that President Buhari’s penchant for economic development is not a fluke. This was clearly demonstrated by the presidential enabling council which has the sole aim of addressing all encumbrances in our business environment’.
‘Moreover, worthy of note is the fact that the council which is headed by the Vice President His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo initiated a 60-day National Action plan on ease of doing business in Nigeria. The 60-day timeline which ran from February 21st to April 21st 2017 has set a road map for business operations in Nigeria. I commend the government for this laudable effort’.
‘Of equal importance was the special loan scheme initiated and executed by the current administration. The scheme has provided soft loans for small and medium scale business men and women to boost their revenue base with a view to sustaining their businesses’.
‘The key emphasis is to see Nigeria grow what we eat to emancipate our economy. We must produce what we consume rather than depend on imported materials thus slowing down our economy and depleting our hard earned foreign reserve’.
‘Another issue that is worthy of commendation is the giant step taken by the Federal government in March 2017 to strengthen our economy through a proactive foreign exchange policy. This has helped to strengthen the naira in the forex market.
‘I do hope though that this will be sustained to make life easy for genuine manufacturers who need the foreign exchange to sustain their industries for the importation of necessary machinery and spare parts to run their industries’,Lawson stated.
She noted that unemployment is one of the most serious challenges facing the country,stressing that this has been made worse by the fact that over the last two decades, the formal economy (especially Oil) has experienced a fall in prices on the World market as well as activities of saboteurs in pipeline vandalization.
Furthermore, every year, hundreds of thousands of new job seekers, the vast majority of whom are youths join the army of the unemployed in the country. It is accepted worldwide that the development and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can play an important role in turning this situation around’.
‘Policies and programs to support the development of SMEs are therefore a very important part of the government’s programs. Agencies and associations such as NACCIMA are needed in creating a better life for citizens and as well as a conducive business environment’.
Lawson gave assurance that, NACCIMA under her leadership shall provide a conducive platform for businessmen and businesswomen to thrive in their chosen ventures.
