Experts in finance advocate inclusive business solutions as key to accessing capital

Harrowing macro-economic realities in Nigeria caused by pre-2017 financial headwinds coupled with the resultant inflation and liquidity squeeze in the financial services sector has tested the resolve of many Nigerian corporates especially in terms of their ability to meet their growth or expansion objectives.

Jackson Etti & Edu, a leading full service commercial law firm organised a conference themed – Accessing Capital: Challenges, Channels and Contemporary Solutions, with a view to demystifying structured financing options and re-orient participants on innovative approach to financing.

The Chairperson was Dr. Yemi Kale (Statistician General of the Federation) who delivered a presentation on using economic data to drive growth and expansion, while the keynote speaker was Eme Essien Lore (Country Head – Nigeria, international Finance Corporation), who enlightened delegates on how the IFC is delivering inclusive growth in Nigeria and how corporates can access various financing options.

The Group Managing Director, Film House Cinemas/ FilmOne Distribution/Production in an interview session, where he shared Filmhouse Cinemas’ experience in financing capex and growth in the current macroeconomic climate. The panel session consisted of selected finance experts speaking from different financing option perspectives, with each discussant sharing practical and actionable experiences at the event.

The panelists included: Kingsley Opia-Enwemuche Senior Associate, Jackson Etti & Edu; Ononuju Irukwu – MD, Chapel Hill Denham, Niyi Adebayo – CEO, Bodani Advisory Services, Jumoke Olaniyan – Divisional Head, Market Architecture FMDQ OTC Exchange, Dr Yemi Osindero – Managing Partner, Uhuru Capital Partners, Dolu Olugbenjo – Head Diversified Lending & Leveraged Finance – Stanbic IBTC Capital.

Speaking of financing options, experts at the event advocated inclusive business solutions such as development banks, movable collateral registry, and credit registration.

Business owners were also urged to ensure good corporate governance for better access to capital. This according to the speakers would also reduce business risk, improve oversight and monitoring, and ensure the business performs better operationally and financially.

The event was well attended by delegates from FMCGs, Financial Services, Telecommunication, Health, Construction and Energy sectors of the economy.