“We must confront multiple taxation and eliminate it. We must put Nigerians to work,” Barrister Obegolu said at his inauguration ceremony as the 12th president of the ACCI in Abuja on Thursday. “We must never forget that it is the private sector – not the government – that is the engine of economic opportunity. Businesses, particularly small businesses, flourish and can provide good jobs when the government acts as a productive partner.”

Commending the federal government’s bold move to remove fuel subsidy as well as its initiatives such as the unification of the foreign exchange market and the student loan program, he said though the measures may have initially tested Nigerians’ resilience,  they will, with time, yield the desired results.

The ACCI President urged 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 at large, and the national economy.

In a goodwill message, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu described ACCI as a beacon for innovation and economic growth and a staunch advocate for ease of doing business.

He urged the new ACCI president and his counterparts in other chambers of commerce to find programmes to bring the youths closer to the chambers.

“Bring the youths to the entrepreneurial programmes you have. Please prioritise initiatives that promote inclusion; expose them to opportunities that will make them have confidence in doing the right things,” the lawmaker said.

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Also, the chamber has tasked the federal government with the need to streamline taxes as well as provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The chamber made the call Thursday in Abuja at its Annual General Meeting/induction ceremony.

Obegolu said, “For over 37 years, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been a pillar of economic growth, a hub for trade facilitation, and an advocate of economic growth which is key economic growth.

“By promoting trade and facilitating business partnerships, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) trade missions, exhibitions, and business matchmaking events have connected our members with local and international counterparts, expanding their reach and contributing to the economic development of our region and our nation.

“However, the key priority remains for the government to make the environment conducive by reducing taxes and other harsh economic realities causing companies to fold up,” he said.

At the event, a former managing director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof, Adesoji Adesugba, was elevated to become the 1st Deputy President while Dr Aliyu Idi Hong was elected as the 2nd Deputy President of ACCI. (Guardian)