The National Council of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce , Industry and Mines (NACCIMA), has called on federal and state governments to always involve the organized private sector in policy planning and implementation in order to accelerate the pace of economic development of the country.
This call is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2020 4th Quarterly meeting held in Port-Harcourt on the 26th of November, 2020,
The communiqué signed by NACCIMA President , Saratu Iya Aliyu, called on government at all levels to henceforth fully involve the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and private sector operators in the articulation and subsequent implementation of policies.
The communiqué said “the council was of the firm view that as the country searches for a way out of economic recession, government must work closely with the private sector which will have key role to play if the goal of early recovery will be met in the first quarter of 2021 as being predicted by the Minister of Finance, the CBN Governor and others in government circles.”
The council meeting along with other activities ,which was attended by members of city chambers from across the country was hosted by the Port-Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA) and was attended by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Rivers State Government, Ify Nwankpa, who represented the state governor , Nyesom Wike.
At the meeting, the council drew attention to the fact that the 3rd Quarter contraction of the nation’s economy was foretold in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the drop in crude oil prices, and the civil unrest that ensured.
“All of these issues require robust response in close cooperation with the OPSN,” adding that “the council also drew attention to the need proper synergy of monetary and fiscal policies that will engender inclusive growth and development in some strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and mining.”
“ Most importantly, the OPSN must be taken on board in the articulation of policies, policy implementation, and the process of monitoring and evaluation.”
The council also reaffirmed its position that diversification must be given more serious attention and the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) should be faithfully implemented in a way to ensure quick impact to tackle the issues of unemployment and infrastructural development.
During a courtesy call on the Governor of Rivers State, the NACCIMA Council led by the National President, Saratu Iya Aliyu , commended the state for its massive infrastructure development which was having significant impact on commerce and economic activities beyond the oil and gas sector which the state was well known for.
The occasion of the council meeting ended with a gala dinner was attended by top dignitaries from the public and private sectors, as well as, traditional rulers.
