NACCIMA, FG Pact On Business Growth To Continue, Says New President
The newly elected national President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Ide John Udeagbala, has said the chamber will continue to partner the Federal Government in ensuring business growth in the country.
He said this at the 61st Annual General Meeting of the chamber and his investiture as the new president.
He noted that NACCIMA had influenced several government policies that have translated into tangible benefits for businesses leading to the growth of the economy.
Udeagbala added that from its inception and records of contributions, as the premier National Chambers of Commerce, NACCIMA has truly proved to be the voice of Nigerian business, for over 60 years.
He said, “NACCIMA, in collaboration with other members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, has been consistently at the fore-front of advocacy for policies that promote operations of the private sector.
“Our association has supported trade promotion through various means and facilitated the establishment of business while serving as the pathway for multinationals keen on working with Nigerian businesses.
“NACCIMA has also influenced several government policies that have translated into tangible benefits for businesses, leading to growth of the national economy.
“Indeed, NACCIMA is truly an invaluable partner to government and other stakeholders in the Nigerian business environment.”
While he recalled that the Nigerian economy slipped into recession in the past year, with inflation peaking at 18 per cent as at the end of May,2021, he, however expressed the hope that Nigeria was gradually on its way to recovery, given the report by the National Bureau of Statistics.
He said, “It is worthy to note that NACCIMA, through its advocacy, contributed to the recovery efforts by providing government with strategic policy options as the country searched for suggestions, on how to exit the recession.
“The task now is to sustain and increase the momentum of our economic recovery. Let us, as stakeholders, work towards that goal.”
Udeagbala decried the adverse effect of the raging insecurity in the country on business, and called on the government to tackle it.
He said, “The current security challenges in Nigeria with its threat to lives and property have had far-reaching consequences on the investment climate and costs of doing business.
“Security is an intrinsic aspect and precondition for development and sustainability of the economy. Unfortunately, we continue to witness widespread criminality, including kidnapping, banditry and destruction of public properties, businesses and social institutions.
“We also have the farmer-herder clashes and cattle rustling to contend with. Our nation must not continue like this.
“Our people are suffering, farmers cannot go to their farms or harvest their produce, and those with businesses are finding it difficult to run their businesses and cannot plan for the future.
“Prospective foreign investors and financiers are taking their resources elsewhere. As a nation we must act fast to end insecurity and ensure a safe environment for lives and businesses to thrive.”
He commended her predecessor, Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu for her significant contributions and inspirational leadership, which were manifest during her tenure.
Comments are closed.