…hails relaunch of National Trade Facilitation Committee
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., has commended the Federal Government for the relaunch of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), urging for increased private-public sector partnership to drive economic growth and development in the country.
Oye, who spoke at the relaunch at the Bank of Industry conference room in Abuja, said it is “through partnership that we can optimize the use of our assets for the greater good of Nigeria”.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we witness the re-launching of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment,” Oye said.
“As the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), I am here to articulate the collective voice of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) and to affirm our steadfast commitment to the goals and aspirations that this committee embodies.”
He said the NTFC, as a vital organ within the framework of the national economic architecture, has a profoundly significant role to play.
He said trade facilitation was not just about expediting the movement, release, and clearance of goods, but also about creating a more efficient trade environment that is conducive to economic diversification, industrialization, and job creation.
“The integration of the Trade Facilitation and Liberalization Sub-Committee of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization with the NTFC is a strategic move that signals our government’s resolve to harmonize efforts and streamline operations. Such synergy is critical in the pursuit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to rekindle the spirit of enterprise, stimulate industrial growth, and engender a more vibrant economy,” Oye said.
“As we stand on the cusp of this revitalization, let us underscore the importance of trade facilitation in the context of the Nigerian economy.”
He said the committee is tasked with the formidable challenge of implementing reforms that will enhance trade protocols, reduce barriers, and improve the ease of doing business.
“By doing so, we can attract more foreign direct investment, boost our export potential, and create a nexus of opportunities for employment and wealth creation,” he said.
“The Chambers of Commerce across Nigeria are integral to this journey. As conduits of commerce and industry, we represent the interests and aspirations of businesses large and small.
“We provide a platform for the articulation of policy recommendations, the sharing of best practices, and the fostering of partnerships that span the globe. In essence, we are the building blocks of the private sector’s contribution to national development,” he said.
On the need for increased partnership, the NACCIMA boss said there was no ambiguity as to why government and the private sector must collaborate.
“In a world of finite resources and unending challenges, it is through partnership that we can optimize the use of our assets for the greater good of Nigeria,” Oye said.
“The public sector provides the regulatory framework and policy direction, while the private sector brings to the table innovation, efficiency, and execution capability. Together, we form a formidable force that can transform visions into tangible realities,” he said.
He urged all to embrace the re-launch as more than a ceremonial act, but as a reaffirmation of a collective will to forge a path of progress and prosperity.
“The NTFC, with its renewed vigour and strategic focus, stands ready to play its part in this transformative journey. And the OPS, with active support of NACCIMA, is fully committed to actualizing this endeavor every step of the way,” Oye said.
“It is our time to demonstrate what is possible when government and private enterprise unite towards a common goal. Let us move forward with a sense of purpose, a commitment to excellence, and a vision for a Nigeria where trade is a cornerstone of our national success,” he said.
