MSMEs are economic catalysts, say LCCI, Lagos Speaker, others

SPEAKER of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Executive Chairman, Kosofe Local Government, Moyosore Ogunlewe; Chief Executive Officer, The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf; the President and Chairman of Council, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa, and Founder/President Kosofe Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Mr Joe Femi-Dagunro, have identified Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as economic catalysts.

The dignitaries also commended Femi-Dagunro for founding KCCI. They spoke during Kosofe Economic Dialogue 2024, organised by KCCI in Lagos, according to a statement, yesterday. The theme of the summit was: ‘SME Sustainability & Innovation – bridging the cap.’

Obasa, represented by Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Tobun Abiodun, said: “We appreciate what they (MSMEs) are doing in paying their taxes regularly, which usually culminate into what the government is using to develop the state.

“So we appreciate what they are doing and we want to encourage them to equally encourage other LGs to follow their path, so that we can have economic prosperity in Lagos State.

“If they see any area where they want us to assist them, they should come up with the idea because policy normally emanates from the people. So they should come up with their ideas. If they come up, we would be able to pass a resolution or a law that will enable them to grow economically.”

Ambrose-Medebem, represented by Director of Investment, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Sule Abolore, said: “This economic dialogue is a powerful platform for initiating and nurturing new partnerships with the state and for innovative ideas to be shared.”

Femi-Dagunro said: “We still need to have more city chambers and I am very confident that this is the beginning. We will continue to have dialogue and conversation sessions and we will continue to do other events that will make policymakers work together with the private sector.

“It is just about working together and not in isolation. As an advocacy group, we believe that some of the things we are saying are to develop the people.

“The participants said some of their challenges and I say let us begin to proffer solutions. The policy makers have to listen to the grassroot. It is not just about palliatives.

“People want to work and make money but they want policies that will encourage them, policies that will grow their businesses. That is what KCCI is advocating.”