The Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chinyere Almona, has praised the federal government’s establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), calling it a crucial move to improve credit access for women, youth, and small-scale enterprises.
In her New Year address, Almona highlighted the potential of an effectively implemented credit scheme to stimulate demand for agricultural and industrial products, boost manufacturers’ capacity, and create jobs. She urged the government to ensure swift implementation and a transparent framework to prevent delays.
Almona also stressed the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s push for stronger international trade partnerships. She advocated for prioritizing non-oil exports to achieve trade surpluses by 2025.
Further, she called for investments in telecommunications to drive digital transformation and infrastructure development for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative. Almona described both as essential to Nigeria’s transition to a trillion-dollar economy.
The LCCI head commended the proposed National Values Charter and Youth Conference, emphasizing their role in promoting unity and patriotism. She highlighted the importance of a cooperative societal framework and the rule of law to safeguard human rights and justice.
Almona expressed confidence that these initiatives, if effectively executed, could support sustainable economic growth and industrialization in Nigeria.
