By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Kaduna State has become one of the most frequently mentioned destinations for investors, for implementing innovative ways of overcoming hurdles which typically discourage investment and carrying out painstaking reforms to address the ease of doing business in the state.
Dignitaries observing the National Anthem during the opening of 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna on Saturday February 26, 2022. Photos: BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS
President Muhammadu Buhari expressed this while declaring open the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair with the theme, “Re-Strategizing Nigeria’s Economy for Global Competitiveness” on Saturday in Kadunà.
Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the president expressed delight at the feedback they are getting.
“Let me first acknowledge the exemplary work being done in Kaduna State by its Government and people in bringing investment opportunities to fruition and providing the right environment for businesses to thrive.
“The feedback we get from investors is reassuring and we look forward to seeing these seeds which are being planted, bloom into mighty forests.
“I must also commend the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for successfully organising this fair for over 40 years.
“We recognise your contributions towards the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, and we remain committed to working with you to bring to life President Buhari’s vision of sustainable and inclusive growth of our economy,” he said.
The president said that the theme of the fair which is ‘Re-Strategizing Nigeria’s Economy for Global Competitiveness’ aptly captures our country’s development priorities.
He said the recent COVID-19 Pandemic, and its attendant effects on crude oil prices, foreign exchange and investment inflows has shown that NIgeria needs to urgently reconsider, and modify thinking on investment led by comparative advantage only, in order to guarantee economic security.
“Our need to drive job-intensive economic growth means that we have to enable investment in areas with high potential for job creation and reducing the demand for foreign exchange.
“We must view our current situation as an opportunity to change our narrative and become less vulnerable to incidents which we did not create or have the power to change.
“We are therefore deploying our efforts to build and strengthen our resilience in key sectors which strengthen Nigeria’s economic security in addition to our traditional areas of comparative advantage.
“We are also focused on resolving the challenges which remain in our business environment. Relevant teams across the Government are implementing various initiatives and policies that address key areas of concern such as the need for modern infrastructure, power supply and good road network across the country; improving the patronage of locally made goods; bridging the gap in industrial skills and innovation, improving ease of doing business, cost and access to finance for MSMEs, resolving multiple taxation, amongst others,” he said.
He assured that they will continue to engage KADCCIMA and other Organised Private Sector (OPS) groups in the country on progress made on these initiatives.
“State Governments are key allies to all businesses and their role in enabling success of businesses cannot be over-emphasised. We rely on them to provide access to land, act as mediators in conflict prevention and resolution, provide needed infrastructure to link farms to processing plants and markets and overall, provide a conducive environment for businesses and their host communities to thrive.
“Business and trade unify us all, ethnicity, religion and economic circumstance take a back seat when there’s a good deal on the table. And I am glad to see that Kaduna is continuing its long history as a trade hub and a major industrial and commercial centre for Nigeria and indeed West Africa.
“We are committed to partnering with the private sector in realising our vision of a strong and resilient Nigerian economy. I salute all members of KADCCIMA and once again congratulate you on the occasion of the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair.
“The success of our economic agenda largely depends on private sector participation,” he pointed out.
He therefore, invited all to join hands with government in making these efforts successful and I implore you to avail us your wealth of experience so that together we can uplift our nation.
