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Experts urge government’s sincerity in real sector development

By Chijioke Nelson
02 January 2017   |   2:28 am
Business owners have urged the Federal Government to show sincerity in its campaign for growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

SME

Business owners have urged the Federal Government to show sincerity in its campaign for growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Besides, they lamented that the poor state of the economy now is a result of leadership failures, as there was no effective plan for the future.

The National President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola, while speaking exclusively to The Guardian, warned that in the immediate, government need to pay more attention and act according for the survival of small businesses.

“If this sector is vibrant, the naira will have less stress, it will help us to be less dependent on imported goods, we will create more employment, generate more income for government and attract more youths’ interests in entrepreneurship.

“This can only be achieved if key issues are faced sincerely- power, road, access to finance, right and consistent policies, government’s patronage of made-in-nigeria products, multiple taxation.

“In 2017, we want to see a more proactive, listening and performing government. Gone are the days when slow and steady wins the race. These days, fast and consistent is far better.

“We look forward to seeing a government that will not only prepare and get budgets approved, but also one that ensures that budgets have 100 per cent successful implementation rate.

“We want to see a government that will bring more technocrats, stakeholders, economic experts into the project of fixing of our economy. Government that will put the interest and survival of the populace far ahead any other agenda,” he said.

Also, Abuja-based development consultant, Jide Ojo, said that while 2016 budget was premised on zero-based budgeting, the process is yet to be perfected, as it was plagued by “padding” from both the executive and legislative arms of government.

Noting that Indeed, some of the problems in 2016 were avoidable, as economic team with clear blueprint are non-negotiable for a country in recession, he warned that such anomaly would be more devastating in 2017, if not corrected.

“Last year, there are more businesses that shut down than new ones created. There was a lot of divestment. The situation worsened unemployment and poverty in the land.

“The 2016 budget was premised on zero-based budgeting, which is a novel budgeting process.

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