From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Nigerians have called on the federal government to create incentive that will promote investments and create employment within the national economy.
The call was made yesterday,in Abuja at the 2023, Nigeria’s most respected Chief Executive Officers award.
The keynote speaker, Dr Mainasara Ibrahim Umar said incentives should cover fiscal measures on taxation, effective promotion of local industries with import tariff, export promotion of made in Nigeria goods.
Dr Umar harped on the need for federal government to increase its efforts in providing enabling environment for growth and development of industries, adding that no business can grow in a country with high level of insecurity.
” This is the time for us as a nation, to start thinking of industrialisation. A country that is indebted can not give to the society and the only way through which we can get out of this indebtedness is to start producing.
Speaking on the state of the nation,he said that Nigeria had never been this separated,” we need national unity now more than ever. It is time for Nigeria to be governed with the spirit of brotherhood. The government should encourage intertribal marriages to tighten the relationship among us.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks Dr Paddy Njoku also appealed to the government to provide conducive environments for business owners in the country.
Speaking on the awards,he said the selection was made based on professionalism urging those that weren’t honored to put in more efforts,so that they can be recognized in future.
Some of the awardees, appreciated the organization for recognizing their little contributions to national building but also lamented that the poor infrastructural state of the nation is affecting their businesses.
Mrs Comfort Onyemaer, CEO Comfort World cakes said lack of power affecting her level of productivity,”if the government can improve on electricity supply, we will do better. With what is on ground now , generator is not even an option considering the cost of petrol.”
Abebe Abraham Managing director Soyaplus appealed for grants and loans with favourable returns, adding that lack of operational materials affecting the spread.
“We really need grants, where we are working from now is over stretched to serve the whole country,so we could do with grants and maybe loans too but with good return rates which will not burden our country too much. We need funds,he said
Director,Management Accountant of Brain and Body, Patrick Este also appealed for grants to assist business owners.
He further appreciated the organisation for recognising their little contributions to national building, saying it would inspire them to do more