Doing business transcends profit making, says LCCI

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged businesses to adopt high ethical standards to achieve profitability and a long-term presence in the global business world.

The President, LCCI, Dr. Nike Akande, explained that as businessmen and women, there are obligations which transcend profit making, pointing out that adequate attention to integrity of business transactions and practices is essential to ensure business continuity and profitability.

Akande, while inducting 169 new members to the chamber in Lagos, on Wednesday, said the LCCI believes so much in adopting ethical behaviour and fairness in carrying out business dealings with members, non-members and the society at large, also stating the need for the Federal Government’s protection of the business environment.

She pointed out that the objective of the chamber is encapsulated in its mission to promote and protect the interest of its members and the business community at large through public policy advocacy, creation and facilitation of commercial and industrial opportunities within its large membership network, provision of business development service and observance of highest‎ standard of business ethics.

She therefore enjoined the newly inducted members to be committed to the ideals of high ethical standards and responsible corporate citizenships, while warning that a breach of the tradition of integrity and honour by any member will be viewed seriously and be visited with appropriate sanctions.

On her part, Vice President and Chairperson, Membership and Welfare Committee, LCCI, Mrs Toki Mabogunje noted that membership of the chamber avails new members the opportunity to access business information, credibility and trust for international business partnership and joint ventures, advocacy on issues that impacts on your business, as well as chamber intervention for members with relevant organs of government where necessary; at local, state and federal level, among others.

“The Chamber is constantly reengineering its systems and processes to serve you better. However, you must be active to derive benefits for your organization. I wish to advise that those who represent your organization at the Chamber, must be decision makers who can best represent the interest of your organization.

“We expect that as your organisations come into the Chamber today, you will all contribute your quota to the growth and development of the Chamber and in this way sustain the growth of the Lagos Chamber for centuries to come”, she added.