The Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, industry, Mines and Agriculture joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the 59th Independence Anniversary of our country.

Over the years our country has evolved to become an economic and diplomatic powerhouse on the African continent. Despite the challenges faced, Nigeria has emerged as the leading economy on the African continent, and as a people, we have displayed resilience, in our tireless efforts to attain the Nigeria of our dreams. We therefore have cause to celebrate some of our achievements as a nation.

Since the last Independence Anniversary, our country has experienced a peaceful transition of government as we work to consolidate our democracy. There has also been improved relationship between the Public and Private Sector, and greater engagement by the citizenry in governance. However, the issues and public discuss have remained largely the same; namely, internal security, corruption, infrastructure, diversification of the economy, ease of doing businesses, macroeconomic stability, youth empowerment, social welfare, environmental degradation, climate change and regional economic integration; just as they have been in the past few years. We need determined action to deal with these issues.

On the economic front, Economic growth appears to be slowing down (down to 1.94% as at the second quarter of 2019). Inflation remains in double-digits (at 11.02% as at August 2019, fueled by high food prices at 13.17%, also as at August 2019). The unemployment rate has been rising, standing at 23.1% as at the third quarter of 2018 (signifying that 20.9million people are unemployed). Industrialization also appears to be progressing at a slow rate, with industries contributing about 23% to Gross Domestic Product. We should, and can of course, do better, and should work towards that goal.

While Our Association applauds the gains made by the Federal Government in its fight against corruption, foreign exchange stability, focus on improving ease of doing business, increased capital expenditure, and a focus on Agro value chains. There is still more work to be done, to achieve inclusive economic growth, co-prosperity, and sustainable development with the potentials to “unleash the Giant” Nigeria truly is.

As we celebrate the 59th Anniversary of our Independence and for the realization of the Nigeria of our economic and developmental goals, NACCIMA stresses the need for us as a Nation to consolidate on the gains of this administration by focusing on the following; ensuring an adherence to the Rule of Law; the promotion of an efficient tax system geared towards expanding the tax net; a focus on sustainable energy, harnessing the creative industry, agribusiness, solid minerals and metals, and manufacturing; the promotion of women and youth through micro and medium scale development; and a coordinated approached towards regional economic integration. As we approach the last year of implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), we are also presented with an opportunity for introspection, to assess our policy stance as a country for the benefit of the generations unborn.

The Federal Government will always find in NACCIMA a veritable partner in ensuring an enabling environment, conducive for the pursuit of commerce, industry and all other forms of economic activity of interest to the private sector, in the endeavor to fully unleash the Economic Giant we truly have the potential to be.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

HAJIYA SARATU IYA ALIYU
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
NACCIMA