Private Sector Raises Concern Over Incessant Summons By NASS Committees

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) yesterday raised concern over  unbridled invitations and summons of its members by the National Assembly Ad-hoc Committees for investigative hearings.

OPSN said that the over decade of continued  legislative onslaught has created unnecessary distractions for businesses in Nigeria  and further dampened the interest of direct foreign investors.

The body comprises  Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industries (NASSI) and Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

Director-general of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Quadri told journalists at a briefing in Abuja that sections 88 and 89 of the constitution which has been relied upon by the Committees of the National Assembly is not applicable to businesses in the private sector.

While calling the legislative arm to desist from further threat of its members, Ajayi-Quadri pointed out that the National Assembly should not be the lawmakers and enforcers or implementers of the same laws.

According to him, “The continuous invitations and related activities by the various Committees and Ad-hoc Committees are at variance and unmindful of the proceedings in court and the Supreme Court itself.’’

We expect that the National Assembly will stay further action as a proof of respect for the principle of separation of powers, pending the decision of the court.

It should interest you to note that many businesses have relocated out of the country and many others are rounding off their exit plan because of the inhospitable business environment”,

The body prayed that the National Assembly  focus on strengthening the capacity of the executive agencies to effectively carry out their functions, and refrain from carrying out any activity that would constitute a burden or destabilise law abiding businesses in the form of duplicated audits and regulations.

Ajayi-Quadri said that the achievement of the 8-point Agenda of the current administrations requires a conducive environment and active participation of the private sector and  craved the support and partnership of the National Assembly to enable the private sector to make its own contribution to this national agenda.

“We are highly desirous of a constructive engagement with the leadership of the Committees and seek the urgent intervention of the leadership of the National Assembly in order to bring about an amicable solution and deepen our collaboration for the good of the country”, he said.