THE Small and Medium Enterprise Group (SMEG) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), one of the leading voices in the organised private sector (OPS) in Nigeria, has elected Mr. John Kachikwu, to steer the ship of the group and take charge of its affairs for the next two years. This followed the expiration of the term of office of the previous executives of the group.

Mr John Tudy Kachikwu is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jon Tudy Interbiz Nigeria Limited. He is an energetic and highly resourceful entrepreneur. He attended St. Joseph Primary School, Onicha Ugbo; and had his tertiary education at Federal Technical College Yaba, where he obtained City and Guilds Certification in Building Technology. He also has a B.A (Hons.) In Philosophy, fromthe University of Lagos.

Mr John Kachikwu has contributed immensely to the reversal of importation of agricultural products and has assisted in local content drive and sustainability.
The SMEG Chairman expresses optimism on the role of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise in reviving the increasingly plummeting state of the Nigerian Economy. He points out factors such as: unfavourable loan interest rate, unrealistic collateral requirements, onerous application procedure for loans, insufficient loan size and maturity date, poor infrastructure, multiple taxation and charges, amongst others, as issues that should be mitigated, if the diversification goal of the government is to be achieved.

Director General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said, “we are very pleased as Mr. John Kachikwu assumes the role of Chairman, LCCI Small and Medium Enterprise Group. His election will ensure and enhance the Chamber’s role as leading advocate of best business policy and practice, with the view to promoting and protecting Small and Medium Enterprises, which in turn will impact positively on the economy.