The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), on Wednesday said it is high time for private and public sectors in Kwara State to exhibit a concrete collaboration for sustainable development.
The KWACCIMA President/Chairman Opalekan Fatai Ayodimeji stated this at the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the association.
Ayodimeji, who asserts that the need to work together becomes paramount as the current situation requires strategic change of attitude by all stakeholders to breed confidence and trust on both parties.
“The last one year has been eventful and exciting in spite challenges which we faced. 2022 has not brought relief from challenges bedeviling businesses to thrive in Nigeria and the world at large.
“We still contend with insecurity/ banditry; ease of doing business issues; foreign exchange rate challenge; incessant power outage; and the worst of all is outbreak of the Russia / Ukraine war which Hass further compounded the inflationary situation by causing diesel and aviation fuel price to gallop.
“We are at a most critical crossroad in the future of our country as it is increasingly becoming difficult to do business. We face an environment of significant business challenges caused by dwindling national revenue, increasing national debt; rising interest and inflation rates,” he said.
Ayodeji, however, suggested that, “we need to work together, we need to be carried along on policies at the conception stage, not at the time of implementation . The consultation and consultation will breed confidence
and trust on both parties.
“The delay in signing and release of certificate of occupancy to some of our members is worrisome. We appeal to the state government to fast tract this as our members are been denied access to to bank facility.
“On multiple taxes and levies; we suggest widening of the tax net, and there is definitely the need for harmonization of levies and oversight functions of the statutory agencies.”
Ibrahim Akaje, the state commissioner on Business, Innovation and Technology, represented by Sani Ibrahim, Director of Commerce, submitted that the role KWACCIMA is playing in the state is crucial to economic growth, thus, the association should step up efforts in strategizing and partner with Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure massive development and industrial revolution.
Similarly, Harriet Oshatimehin, Commissioner for Mineral Resources commended KWACCIMA for contributing their quota towards creating more jobs and reducing unemployment rate in the state.
She assured that the state government under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is committed to support the association to attain its ambition and as well move the state to the next level.
Sikirat Shehu
