NACCIMA partners Namibia to boost real sector

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), with a view to boosting the real sector of both countries and promoting mutual business cooperation.

In a statement signed by John Isemede, director-general, NACCIMA, the chamber identified areas of cooperation as supply of raw materials to glass industry, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, among others.

The pact between the two countries was signed at the Nigeria-Namibia Business and Trade Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, recently.

Olusegun Aganga, minister of industry, trade and investment, who led the delegation, extolled NACCIMA for its determined efforts in collaborating with the government to achieve speedy economic transformation plan.

Given the enormous deposits of solid minerals resources in Nigeria, it was agreed that both countries will collaborate and share experiences in the mining sector, especially in the area of improving legal and regulatory framework. The discussion also revealed that Namibia has abundant raw material for the glass industry, while the country can assist Namibia business operators in research and technical expertise.

In agriculture, Namibia indicated interest in the agricultural produce from Nigeria, while the country showed interest in yam, melon, plantain, and groundnuts, bush honey importation.

In tourism, both teams agreed to collaborate and support each other in promoting organised tours between the two countries. This cooperation, they said, will further advance development in the tourism sub-sector of both economies.

In oil and gas, Namibian companies indicated interest in establishing companies that would operate in the free trade zones as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) agreed to work out modalities to facilitate the investment.

Mohammed Abubakar, NACCIMA national president, who was represented at the forum by Ide John Udeagbala, a national vice-president of the association, expressed hope that the MoU would consolidate business deals that would be beneficial to both countries, stressing that the peculiar challenges of Nigerian business and investment environment and those of Namibia had tremendously improved with numerous opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, oil and gas, tourism, electricity (power) and telecommunication.

On her part, Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, president of NCCI, said “the MoU is expected to yield joint venture partnerships for the private sector of both countries,” saying that exchange of relevant know-how was appropriate for promotion of economic cooperation.

Nigerian-Danish chamber meets to discuss power sector challenges to real sector

The Nigeria-Danish Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has concluded arrangements to hold its annual business breakfast meeting. The theme of the meeting is “Power sector reform: Overcoming institutional and regulatory challenges in an era of liberalisation,” and is billed to take place April 30, 2014, in Lagos.

In a statement signed by Francis Olagbuji, director of communication and strategy, the chamber said the breakfast meeting would create a forum for business networking and garner knowledge and strategies on issues affecting the country.

Godknows B. Igali, permanent secretary, ministry of power, is the guest speaker, while Benjamin Dikki, director-general, Bureau of Public Enterprises; Ransome Owan, electricity utility consultant, Crane Infrastructure Company Limited, and Victor Gbolade Osibodu, chairman/CEO, Vigeo Power Limited, will be guests of honour.

Olajuwon Olaleye, special assistant to minister of power; John Momoh, chairman, Channels Television, and Sam Amadi, chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, will be guests of honour.