The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, has commended the federal government for the relaunch of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), urging for increased private-public sector partnership to drive economic growth and development in the country.
Oye who spoke at the relaunch at the Bank of Industry conference room, in Abuja, said it is “through partnership that we can optimise the use of our assets for the greater good of Nigeria.”
According to him, “It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we witness the re-launching of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
“As the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), I am here to articulate the collective voice of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) and to affirm our steadfast commitment to the goals and aspirations that this committee embodies.
“The NTFC, as a vital organ within the framework of our national economic architecture, has a profoundly significant role to play. Trade facilitation is not just about expediting the movement, release, and clearance of goods; it is about creating a more efficient trade environment that is conducive to economic diversification, industrialisation, and job creation.
“The integration of the Trade Facilitation and Liberalisation Sub-Committee of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization with the NTFC is a strategic move that signals our government’s resolve to harmonise efforts and streamline operations. Such synergy is critical in the pursuit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to rekindle the spirit of enterprise, stimulate industrial growth, and engender a more vibrant economy.”
Oye continued: “As we stand on the cusp of this revitalization, let us underscore the importance of trade facilitation in the context of the Nigerian economy.
“The committee is tasked with the formidable challenge of implementing reforms that will enhance our trade protocols, reduce barriers, and improve the ease of doing business. By doing so, we can attract more foreign direct investment, boost our export potential, and create a nexus of opportunities for employment and wealth creation.
“The Chambers of Commerce across Nigeria are integral to this journey. As conduits of commerce and industry, we represent the interests and aspirations of businesses large and small.
“We provide a platform for the articulation of policy recommendations, the sharing of best practices, and the fostering of partnerships that span the globe. In essence, we are the building blocks of the private sector’s contribution to national development.”
On the need for increased partnership, the NACCIMA boss stated, “The question of why government and the private sector must collaborate is one that bears no ambiguity. In a world of finite resources and unending challenges, it is through partnership that we can optimise the use of our assets for the greater good of Nigeria.
“The public sector provides the regulatory framework and policy direction, while the private sector brings to the table innovation, efficiency, and execution capability. Together, we form a formidable force that can transform visions into tangible realities.”
He added, “In conclusion, let us embrace this relaunch as more than a ceremonial act. Let it be the reaffirmation of our collective will to forge a path of progress and prosperity.
“The NTFC, with its renewed vigour and strategic focus, stands ready to play its part in this transformative journey. And the OPS, with active support of NACCIMA, is fully committed to actualizing this endeavour every step of the way.”
“It is our time to demonstrate what is possible when government and private enterprise unite towards a common goal. Let us move forward with a sense of purpose, a commitment to excellence, and a vision for a Nigeria where trade is a cornerstone of our national success,” Oye reiterated.
