TheCable

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says the private sector has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the federal government achieves its desired economic results.

Emeka Obegolu said this on Thursday during his inauguration as the 12th ACCI president in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

Obegolu commended the government for its initiatives to revamp the economy, and expressed optimism that the chamber would support the economic reforms by fostering innovation and empowering businesses.

“While these measures may have initially tested our resilience, we believe they will, with time, yield the desired results,” Obegolu said.

“We can only urge the government to deepen the collaboration with the private sector, represented by the chamber of commerce.

“A partnership that has the potential to significantly benefit the business community, the society, and the national economy.

“We must never forget that the private sector is the engine of economic opportunity; small businesses flourish and can provide good jobs when the government acts as a productive partner.’’

The ACCI president said the chamber would collaborate with the defence and national security leadership to institute an annual summit on security, defence and business, in lieu of the prevailing security challenges in the country.

He added that the move would assure foreign investors that Nigeria is a safe destination for business.

Obegolu also said his administration would prioritise collaboration with the government, non-state stakeholders, and capacity building within the ACCI, to enhance management processes for improved efficiency and productivity.

In his goodwill message, Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, urged the ACCI to develop programmes that would include youths and women in the society.

“I charge ACCI to draw up programmes that will inspire these set of people so they can contribute to the social and economic development and growth of the society,” Kalu said.

Obegolu said he is assuming leadership at a time Nigeria is facing enormous challenges, but expressed confidence that the private sector would help alleviate some of the issues.