The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has reacted to the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Goldennewsng reports that Tinubu was announced as ECOWAS’s new chairman on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
The Nigerian leader was elected at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS that was held in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau during the weekend.
Tinubu took over the position from President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday in Lagos, NACCIMA expressed optimism that Tinubu will be able to tackle the challenges bedevilling the ECOWAS body and as well implement policies that will facilitate the ease of doing business within the concerned region.
NACCIMA’s President, Dele Oye, said in the statement that Tinubu’s appointment was coming at a time when the ECOWAS region was positioning its member states ready to be well-integrated into African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Oye said as African Giant, Nigeria was expected to play a vital role in the region, as well as the continent, being the largest economy in Africa.
He stressed the need to address some of the challenges confronting intra-West African trade. The NACCIMA president also noted that there were still several stumbling blocks preventing the free flow of goods and services within the region, such as cumbersome procedures, high cost of transportation, and corruption.
These issues, Oye said, had limited the growth of trade within the region, thus hindering the economic prosperity of West Africans.
“A lot is expected from Nigeria now more than ever in the history of the country among its peers in Africa.
“We are aware of your credentials as a seasoned politician and astute administrator with an enviable track record in governance and leadership.
“We are fully confident that you will bring your wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the challenges currently facing the region.
“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,” he said.
He also expressed his commitment to supporting and collaborating with the Nigerian president in his effort to promote economic growth, trade, and investment in West Africa.
Goldennewsng recalls that the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, previously held the position of ECOWAS President in 2018.
