Business Briefs
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THE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has decried the continued neglect of the nation’s non-oil sector. It also noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant deposits of solid minerals, and has competitive and comparative advantage in its non-oil resources. The chamber, however, stressed that the sector remained underdeveloped over the years.
Nike Akande, President, LCCI, said considering the dwindling global crude oil prices that have largely affected Nigeria’s foreign exchange revenue base, the time to pay close and serious attention to the non-oil sector is now. Akande, who spoke during the public presentation of the 2016 Lagos International Trade Fair, LITF, prospectus, added that Nigeria must also pay close attention to the fiscal side of diversification, maintaining that the nation’s revenue base needs to be better diversified.
“Our tax revenue to GDP ratio is very low. We need to improve on the efficiency of tax administration at all levels of government, without necessarily increasing the tax rates. More than ever before, we need more strategic decisions and policies that will put the economy on the path of economic recovery and social prosperity,” she said.
She noted that the ongoing backward integration efforts of corporate organisations towards sourcing a large part of their raw materials locally should be encouraged, stressing that the Nigerian economy has the capacity to weather the current economic difficulties if the policy contexts are appropriate and robust
Akande, however, stated that the chamber was presenting the platform of the 2016 LITF for States to exhibit their potentials to potential investors, saying that more than ever before, the States need investors to boost economic activities and support fiscal positions by exploiting the various resources for economic diversification. “The prospectus would highlight some of the new initiatives that have been adopted to bring about added value to the 2016 LITF,” she said.
According to her, the LITF tagged “Positioning the Nigerian economy for diversification and sustainable growth has over the years provided a platform for promoting and showcasing the abundant resources and numerous investment opportunities in the Nigerian economy. “Let me assure the business community that we shall sustain and consolidate on these achievements by continuously providing better delivery of value to our customers.”
Akande said the public presentation of the prospectus heralds the chamber’s preparedness for the 2016 fair, adding that it gives opportunity for prospective exhibitors, sponsors, partners and participants to have an insight into its preparations.
— May 23, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT
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