The Federal Government has expressed commitment and readiness to provide the Nigerian economy with sustainable and inclusive growth.
President Muhammadu Buhari made the promise at the inauguration of Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole as the 24th President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), on Saturday, in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Buhari was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige.
He said his administration is focused on addressing challenges in the business environment, which would be achieved through relevant government agencies that were already implementing various initiatives to accelerate the pace of recovery of the Nigerian economy.
He also assured of his willingness to work with the private sector to bring the administration’s vision of sustained inclusive economic growth to life.
“This administration is focused on providing an enabling environment for businesses to prosper, as we understand the importance of the role of the private sector in providing job opportunities and developing critical infrastructure in the country,” he said.
On his part, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed the state’s readiness to build a stronger partnership with the Chamber.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Ms. Olatokunbo Emokpae, said partnership with the organized private sector will create wealth and employment opportunities for its many unemployed youth.
In his acceptance speech, LCCI President Olawale-Cole, promised that under his leadership, the Chamber would continue to work closely with its partners in the public and private space.
He said this included the Federal Government and its agencies, Lagos and other state governments, development partners, the diplomatic community, the media and other stakeholders.
He noted that the LCCI’s strategic role in the Nigerian economy required that it harnesses its diverse experiences, competencies and legacies, and leave indelible marks for future generations.
He said: “We can’t change everything at once, but if we choose wisely and work together transparently, flexibly and honestly, progress in some areas will lead to progress in many more.
“We will ensure that our advocacy achieves the appropriate level of effectiveness that will be measured from various levels of government to our proposals on directing policies in the interest of the organized private sector.
“I want to call on the government at all levels to do everything possible to make this country a better place to live, so that younger generations are less tempted to migrate to other countries.
“I firmly believe that there should be no better country than Nigeria for them because this is a country full of possibilities.”
We can’t change everything at once, but if we choose wisely and work together transparently, flexibly and honestly, progress in some areas will lead to progress in many more.
The immediate former President, Ms Toki Mabogunje, said her administration’s many accomplishments, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, were made possible by the LCCI community.
She listed some of them to include the conclusion of the digitalization of the camera, obtaining ISO certifications, strengthened advocacy effectiveness, creation of new sector groups, virtual and physical fair, among others.
“I want to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions, sacrifices, focus, and deliberate collaboration of the administration and staff of the led secretariat.
“The level of cooperation that I have enjoyed from the members, the secretariat, the officers, the BoT and the volunteers is truly amazing.
“We have established ourselves as the most important chamber in West Africa and the most important role to play.
“With our ISO certification and ITC benchmark being in the top 10% of our global rankings, we can blaze a trail on the African continent as we build the new AfCFTA market estimated at $ 3 trillion from 1.2 billion people.
“I am immensely grateful to all of you and I hope that you will continue to support the Chamber in the years to come so that we continue to be the leading voice of the organized private sector in Nigeria,” she said.
