NACCIMA’s agenda for FG
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE A vibrant regional economy through public and private sector collaboration, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has presented a 16-point programme...
IN ORDER TO PRO MOTE A vibrant regional economy through public and private sector collaboration, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has presented a 16-point programme to President Muhammadu Buhari at a meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Saratu Iya Aliyu, its national president, who is also the president of Federation of West Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) and chairman of Nigeria’s Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPS), led a delegation of the three bodies to the state house to discuss with the President on pressing economic issues.
Aliyu told the President that NACCIMA would engage the Federal Government on the 16-point agenda for Nigeria’s business growth and socioeconomic advancement through public and private sector collaboration.
Some of the issues raised include, security, adherence to law and ethics, proactive policy engagement, trade capacity building, efficient taxation, government intercommended vention programmes, creative industry, agribusiness, solid minerals and metals, micro and medium scale development, technology and infrastructure, industrial parks, regional integration, AfCFTA, multiplicity of private sector organizations and women and youth empowerment.
On challenges faced by businesses in the country, Aliyu highlighted infrastructure deficit, multiple taxation, elimination of obstacles to exports, need for government to patronize local banks and more interventions to support women and youth empowerment as the panacea for some of the economic challenges.
Despite the presence of these challenges, Aliyu said: “We prefer to look at the brighter side especially when the issues appear seasonal and with the current efforts of the federal government in setting up the economic advisory team, NACCIMA, FEWACCI and the OPS are all full of hope that a new era is on the horizon”.
She said the calibre of persons on the EA team has reassured them that the government is ready to turn things around positively.
Aliyu commended the government on maximization of AfCFTA and requested for a property within Abuja for the location of a Headquarters and Secretariat for FEWACCI befitting of Nigeria’s position as the leading economic powerhouse in Africa. The President, who welcomed the three bodies, NACCIMA for its role in the AfCFTA, adding that the implementation of the agreement is the next frontier for Nigerian businesses.
The President said trade is central to the country’s economy and the government remains committed to ensuring this vibrant jobcreating sector continues to flourish but lamented on how some Nigerians allowed the country to be used as dumping ground at the detriment of all Nigerians.