By Emmanuella Anokam
Abuja – The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has called for more involvement of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in government activities to spur socio-economic development.
ACCI President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the “Chamber’s Walk’’ to commemorate Nigeria’s 60th Independence celebration.
Kayode, represented by Chief Jude Igwe, ACCI Vice President, Industry, described the private sector as the engine of growth of any nation generating more 90 per cent of jobs in the country.
“Successful businesses drive growth, create jobs and pay the taxes that finance services and investment.
“We fund 60 per cent of all investments and provide more than 80 per cent of government revenues, so we would like government to involve us more in its activities.
“Both private and public sectors working together is the answer to taking the country out of the looming recession caused by COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Presenting the chamber’s remaining activities for the year, he said the Abuja International Trade Fair would hold from Oct. 22 to Nov.2.
According to him, the Real Estate Development Expo is also scheduled to hold from Nov. 18 to Dec. 21.
He said the fairs including Halal Expo and others would hold both virtually and on site with the help of FCT health department in setting up safety measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking with the Newsmen, Igwe noted that Nigeria was not mature in terms of sourcing of raw materials for industries, especially critical industries that produced valuable things in the country.
Igwe said government should assist the OPS particularly in the financial policies that would lead to sourcing of funds including foreign exchange.
“Some of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are mostly in production and commercial sector cannot source for foreign exchange not because they want to bring in things that are produced here.
“But rather to bring in things that are not available here but which will be used to produce things which people will love to buy outside,” he said.
(NAN)
