NACCIMA targets improved regional ties via trade mission

To support government’s Foreign Direct Investments’ (FDIs) drive as well as improve capacity of operators in the agric vale-chain, the National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson has unveiled an agenda to leverage its trade mission to achieve such goals.

According to her, the Chamber, under her leadership will explore efforts to enhance regional trade relationship by repackaging its trade mission towards Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in form of partnership with members and government in establishing companies and creating demand supply platform for agricultural products and other mineral resources.

Speaking at her investiture ceremony as the chamber’s national leader, Lawson emphasised the need to increase the chamber’s advocacy agenda in the country, especially now when the real sector requires good policies to operate efficiently.

“While we recognize the effort of the current administration in developing the MSME Sector in Nigeria, I will like to state that our association also recognises the fact that women and youth take the larger percentage of MSME operators, who have found it difficult to access different opportunities and privileges that are available in the country.

“We will strive to work with Federal Government and development agencies to create a platform that can enhance the capacity of our women and youth, while also establishing job centres through collaborations with agencies organizations”, she added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun commended Lawson’s contributions to the socio-economic development of the nation, adding that her emergence as the first National President of NACCIMA is not a surprise, but one that will encourage her to surmounting new challenges.

“As I congratulate our own Iyalode on this Investiture, let me enjoin you and all other members of the Executive Committee to work assiduously to bring out your best and contribute your own quarter to the development of our Country”, he added.

On his part, President of Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABEOCCIMA) Wasiu Olaleye, commended the leadership of NACCIMA for the sustenance of the ideals of the Chamber of Commerce movement in Nigeria.

According to him, there is need to constantly remind the government of its responsibilities in making the business environment conducive for operations.

“It is however worthy of commendation that the Federal Government has recognized the fact that one of the major critical factors that would bail the nation out of the present economic misfortunes is to create conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria. You will agree with me that doing business in Nigeria requires a lot of determination and resilience.

“The change in the Nigerian business climate is always unpredictable. To succeed as a business owner, you have to braze upfor the agonizing bottlenecks and unwholesome practices when interfacing with public officials, yet the situation is worsened by the intractable regime of multiple taxation”, he added.