The Nigerian Association Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has charged Organised Private Sector (OPS) to strengthen its engagement with federal government to formulate pro-business policies that would drive inclusive economic growth and development for the country.
Hence, NACCIMA called on OPS to, as a matter of urgency, play active roles in policy formulation, especially, as it affects the business community.
The national president, Dele Kelvin Oye, at an investiture ceremony, which took place in Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, to swear him in as the 22nd National president of the chamber, said the private sector is a veritable tool for driving both foreign and local investments and contributes over 25 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We must find a way to influence political decisions because they affect businesses. Even though we contribute 75 per cent to the GDP and the other 25 per cent from the government comes with government’s policies that controls businesses. We must find a way to ensure that people who govern our country are not hungry people looking for food, but are held accountable if they do not do well.
“We must let them know the impact of negative policies as it affects the business community and even the future of the country. We must all see service and leadership as an opportunity to do our best,” he urged.
According to him, under his watch, the association would be prioritising development efforts at youth development and women empowerment, saying that for Nigeria to change its economic narratives, it must invest in women, youths and education.
“NACCIMA will be prioritising youth and women empowerment.
We will be there to support both women and youths to find their feet so that Nigeria can be great again,” he said.
He urged the federal government to invest in the nation’s educational sector, pointing out that one of the greatest challenges hindering Nigeria’s development is the huge decay in its educational sector.
“We must make education a priority because it is vital for achieving economic growth while also giving the citizenry the opportunity to question the leadership style of any country that desires positive growth and development,” he pointed out.
The NACCIMA boss said he would also prioritise the creative sector in its bid to complement the federal government’s diversification agenda away from hydro carbon resources, stressing that, he is passionate about the creative industry due to its ability to generate the much needed foreign exchange for the Nigerian economy.
He also pledged commitment to lead the chamber in the most transparent and effective way in its bid to attract rewarding partnerships and the respect of its members.
In his goodwill message, the governor, Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, commended the NACCIMA national president, saying, his outstanding commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in the nation is laudable.
“Your expertise and passion for advancing the interests of businesses, both small and large, have been evident throughout your illustrious career. I have no doubt that under your leadership, NACCIMA will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping policies, advocating for favorable business conditions and driving innovation across various sectors,” he said.
“As governor, I am confident that your presidency will usher in an era of transformative change and progress for NACCIMA and the Nigerian business community as a whole. Your wealth of experience, visionary approach, and a strong commitment to inclusive growth will undoubtedly yield remarkable results propelling our nation’s economy to greater heights.”
On his part, the outgoing minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, said the event is an opportunity for collaboration amongst industry stakeholders and celebration of shared achievements over the past year, stressing that, the event will also help determine and align the association’s desired strategic direction as a whole and for its members, which ultimately benefits the nation.
NACCIMA, he said, has provided a platform for businesses to network, collaborate and provide a range of services to its members including business information, trade missions, exhibitions, seminars and training programme, promising NACCIMA will continue to perform all these functions, as the ministry stands ready to provide continuous support for the association and its members
The president, Ekiti Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (EKICCIMA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunmola, said, as the chamber begins a new era of political administration in Nigeria, the OPS carries a burden of stabilising the Nigerian economy, pointing out that, the NACCIMA president, having chaired several economic and bilateral trade missions, comes as a round peg in a round hole.
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