Business leaders, House of Reps dialogue on economic policies

Gbola Subair, Abuja
Dimeji Bankole

Business leaders and selected members of the House of Representatives are to dialogue on policy issues to enhance economic development. The forum, sponsored by Diamond Bank and Acorn is being packaged by the African Business Roundtable (ABR) and the Message Wise Limited

The Executive Vice Chairman, Message Wise Ltd, Dr. Henry O. Nzekwu, who addressed a press conference on the meeting disclosed that the high level dialogue was initiated to provide a platform on which leaders could effectively engage the people in meaningful and constructive dialogue

According to him, the meeting was intended to be a meeting point for exchange of ideas, especially in the areas of manufacturing, human resources, economic empowerment, enterprise development/financing and infrastructure environment

Dr. Nzekwu disclosed that the House of Reps was a natural choice for forging the desired partnerships that would enhance economic growth and advancement because of its capacity to make law that would guide these thoughts into reality “We are positive that this dialogue will provide the desired frame work that will kick start a formidable relationship between our lawmakers and business community in Nigeria” he said

In his speech, the Vice Chairman of ABR, Mr Dotun Ajayi disclosed that the ABR identified with the programme because of its positive influence on the economy. He said there was the need to get the policy environment right for the management to work effectively.

NACCIMA bemoans rejection of ETLS form

Friday Ekeoba, Lagos

THE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has bemoaned the high rate of rejection and lack of experience by exporters/agencies in the completion of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) form, which had been a source of rift between the Nigeria Customs, foreign customs and other import agencies across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

To bridge the gap and reduce the stress in the completion of the form, according to the association, it has concluded arrangement to hold a workshop on the completion of the ETLS form.

According to the association, the workshop is expected to offer existing and prospective exporters/freight forwarders and agents/stakeholders in the country, an opportunity for better understanding of the process of proper completion of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) application form. This is based on the observation that some of applications registered are often rejected by the National Approval Committees (NAC) of member countries of ECOWAS due to improper completion by applicants, thereby denying such companies of enjoying free customs tariff/duty for goods exported/imported within the ECOWAS sub-region.

The workshop is expected to hold in phases in Lagos on Wednesday, 25 June, 2008, Enugu, Thursday 3 July, 2008, and Kaduna, Thursday, 10 July, 2008.