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| Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu [Photo credit of Twitter OfficialABAT] |
The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his election as chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
NACCIMA president Dele Oye made the announcement in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, following Tinubu's election as chair of the regional bloc's 63rd ordinary session in Guinea Bissau.
Mr. Oye stated that the appointment came at a time when the ECOWAS region was preparing its member states for integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He stated that Nigeria, as Africa's largest economy, was expected to play an important role in the region and on the continent. However, the NACCIMA president emphasised the importance of addressing some of the challenges that face intra-West African trade.
He noted that there were still several impediments to the free flow of goods and services within the region, such as lengthy procedures, high transportation costs, and corruption.
These issues, according to Mr. Oye, had hampered regional trade growth, thereby jeopardising West African economic prosperity.
"A lot is expected of Nigeria now, more than ever before in the country's history among its African peers." We are aware of your qualifications as a seasoned politician and astute administrator with an enviable track record in governance and leadership," Mr Oye explained. "We are confident that you will apply your wealth of experience and expertise to the region's current challenges."
"We are optimistic that you will be able to tackle these issues head on and implement policies that will facilitate the ease of doing business within the region," the NACCIMA president added.
He also stated his intention to support and collaborate with Nigeria's president in promoting economic growth, trade, and investment in West Africa.
(NAN)