By Charles Okonji
As part of its achievement in its 60 years of advocacy, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has disclosed that the association championed the involvement of Nigeria in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as it has seen numerous benefits that are accruable to the country.
The National President, Hajiya Saratu Iya-Aliyu who disclosed this at the media briefing in Lagos to announce activities slated for the 60th anniversary, with the theme “The Future of Business,” noted that NACCIMA succeeded with advocating that women access 40 percent of the survival funds for MSMEs.
Iya-Aliyu said, “The initial stimulus package has since been followed by the Economic Sustainability Plan of N2.3trillion. We have taken due note of the various programmes and projects under the Economic Sustainability Plan and various Stimulus Packages recently unveiled. This includes the 50 (fifty) billion Naira survival fund for MSME and the 15 (fifteen) billion Naira Guaranteed Uptake Scheme to save 500,000 jobs. Notably, under this intervention, 40 percent of the Funds would be reserved for Women-Owned business and it is encouraging that it has been indicated that the Private Sector will play an important role to rejuvenate the economy through these Intervention Schemes. NACCIMA and member Chambers are eagerly looking forward to actively participate in the arrangements for the implementation of these programmes and Packages under the ESP.”
According to the Chief Nabil Saleh Chairman, NACCIMA @60 Committee, the celebration has been broken down into phases due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Outlining activities, he said, “Formal Cutting of Anniversary Cake: The Formal cutting of the symbolic 60th Anniversary Cake is scheduled to hold during the 4th Quarter Council meeting holding in Port-Harcourt on the 19th of November, 2020. Members of the press are cordially invited to be a part of this event. Need-based Charity Events: All state/city chambers of commerce will embark on need-based charity events in commemoration of the National body’s 60th anniversary celebration. These charity events will be targeted at meeting the needs of the communities where the various chambers are located. Main Anniversary Celebration (Conference and Awards Ceremony): The main 60th Anniversary Celebration that includes conference and awards ceremony has been scheduled to hold in February 2021 during the 1st Quarter Council meeting in Abuja.”
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Speaking at the event, Second Deputy President, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim noted that NACCIMA championed the involvement in AfCFTA to enable it to benefit maximally from the dividends of the continental trade.
He regretted that is facing key infrastructure issues, adding that the high and unstable exchange rate regime remains a big challenge.
“AfCFTA will further enhance the services sector as it accounts for over 74 percent in terms of GDP contribution. Nigeria produces more lawyers than the rest of Africa.
“We are creating platforms for market access for our members, and we have put a structure in place to digitize every business engagement.”
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