By Theresa Igata

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enelamah, has expressed government’s commitment to continue to liaise with the private sector to improve the economy of the nation.  He spoke at the Lagos International Trade fair.

“The entrepreneurial activities of the international trade fair would most definitely transform Nigerians from being job seekers to job providers and greatly reduce the unemployment base of the country. I believe as we engage in a solid relationship with the private sector, the economy of the country will soon witness a positive turn around,” he said.

The minister however added that the federal government commends the efforts of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) towards encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, through the introduction of the annual trade exhibition, the Lagos International Trade Fair, while also disclosing that Nigerians will soon begin to reap the positive impact of the Memorandum of Understanding, recently signed between Nigeria and Singapore.

For the Lagos state government it was a time to reiterate the state’s commitment to support businesses and create a conducive business environment for both local and foreign investors. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tunji Bello, said that the government will continue to support the LCCI towards ensuring that the Lagos International trade fair continues to attract more businesses.

In his opening remark at the Trade Fair, the National President NACCIMA, Chief Bassey Edem said, “Let me also note that we are aware of the Federal Government’s efforts in rejuvenating the economy through the different policies, programmes and activities”. He added that NACCIMA as the voice of the Nigerian Business will continue to advocate for the growth of businesses and enhancement of a conducive business environment in Nigeria.

“Trade fairs such as this need to be supported by government because it creates a platform for investors and other stakeholders to display the opportunities that come with diversification”, he said.

The president LCCI, Mrs Nike Akande emphasised the relevance of the theme to the overall economic morass which the country has found itself. According to her, “the theme of this year’s fair cannot be more appropriate at this time that the country is going through economic recession, which was as a result of operating a mono-commodity based economy these past years”. However, she added that with the unfolding economic situation in Nigeria and the commitment of the government to ensure that diversification of the country’s economy is attained within the shortest possible time, the expected growth from the growth diversification will be sustained.

“In achieving this diversification expansion, the challenges that make this industrial investment in the country very expensive and unattractive have to be eliminated; which include; poor infrastructure, unstable fiscal and monetary policies and taxation multiplicity”.