By Abubakar Hassan
Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA) in collaboration with Niger state government has held its first annual lecture and dinner with the theme; "The imperatives for economic growth and development in Niger state: contemporary issues for sustainable development.
Addressing participants at the event, which took place on Wednesday, at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, the Governor of Niger state, Farmer Mohammed Umar Bago said the theme of the even was very apt due to his administration unwavering commitment to the economic development of the state.
The Governor who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba disclosed that Niger state was blessed with both human and non human resources to put the state on the right track of sustainable economic growth and development, but harnessing these resources to the benefit of all was a big challenge as it requires strategic planning, effective policies, and collaboration among stakeholders.
He added that the present administration under his leadership recognizes the pivotal role of the private sector in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for the people, and promised to be committed in creating a conducive business environment that encourages investment, innovation and entrepreneurship, through partnership with organizations like NCCIMA, aiming at fostering economic diversification and job creation across various sectors in the state.
The Governor also observed that any society that has lost its educational and business values, growth and development will be lost in that society, adding that we must not all be politicians before we can add value to the society or become rich.
He also queried the saying that government has no business in business, adding that government has a stake business because it provides the enabling environment for business to strive and sometimes go into business in order to assist its citizens, particularly to provide goods and services that are essential.
The Governor added that from the lectures they have observed certain gaps in some of their policies and the implementation and will work to close it, saying the state created Ministry of small and medium scale enterprises to assist and engage the youths in business for prosperous and sustainable future of Niger state.
While felicitating NCCIMA for organizing the event, he also reiterated his administration's commitment towards the well-being and prosperity of the people of the state, appealing that all stakeholders should seize the moment as an opportunity to ignite positive change and ursher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the state.
In their separate goodwill messages, former Minister of sports and gubernatorial aspirants, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, former Minister of foreign affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada and the state Commissioner for SMSE, Mrs. Elizabeth Shaba appreciated and congratulated NCCIMA for putting up the event and stressed the need for its sustainability.
They also stressed the need for collaboration between the government and the organized private sector, and encouraged the youths whom they described as future of the state, particularly those with political appointments to engage in business and register their businesses with the state ministry of SMSE and the corporate affairs commission.
In his presentation on the theme of the event, the guest lecturer, Dr. Suleiman Ndanusa observed that the state have abundant potentials for Economic growth which need to be unlocked, adding that to unlock these potentials the state must collaborate with key stakeholders which includes Niger Chamber of Commerce and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).
Dr. Suleiman also urged the state Government to refine its policies so as to create a more enabling environment for businesses, improve transparency and access to data of private sector ventures and investment in the state, as well as to support NCCIMA initiative for capacity building, skills development among entrepreneurs for a more vibrant business Ecosystem in the state.
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