Lagos seeks OPS partnership for real sector growth

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye has stressed the need to reposition the manufacturing sector to take its rightful position as a major contributor to the country’s GDP.

He also sought the continued collaboration of the Organised Private Sector, (OPS) in evolving policies that will pave way for economic sustainability.

Speaking at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria,(MAN), Ikeja Branch, 2017 Breakfast meeting for Directors/ Chief Executive Officers, he stated that Lagos State Government would continue to improve the business environment that would enhance ease of doing business in the state.

“As a people-oriented and proactive government, we shall continue to provide promotional tools through policies and programmes tilted towards the task of achieving the goal of sustainable trade, industrial and economic development” the Commissioner stated.

He also disclosed that the State Government is currently at the concluding stage of its Industrial Policy adding that various laws are being promulgated to ensure adequate security, social welfare and economic wellbeing of the people.

These laws according to him include the law against land grabbers and kidnapping and underscore the present administration’s interest in creating a safe working environment.

He noted that the realities of this present time has placed the responsibility on Lagos State to harness public and private investments with a view to having a dynamic and expanding economy that is functional and investor friendly.

The Commissioner maintained that the various projects of the administration of Gov Ambode in the areas of security, urban renewal, road infrastructure, development of Industrial Parks light up Lagos scheme and Employment Trust Fund are geared towards creating an economy that will strengthen the real sector to continually respond to consumer’s needs.

Ogunleye who lamented that the country has over the years depended mainly on earnings from crude oil resulting in the neglect of other sectors of the economy, particularly the real sector, opined that restoration of the economic stability of the country depends largely in reinvestment in human capital and material resources.

“We have to considerably improve our power supply to give impetus or velocity to the operations of the Small, Medium and Large businesses and indeed the entire real sector to thrive better. With steady power supply, the cost of production will be drastically reduced and with proper micro-economic management, provision of roads and infrastructural facilities and efficient ports operations, the environment will be healthier for the real sector to thrive and stabilize” he stated.

He commended MAN for its relentless contribution to economic growth, amidst the present economic challenges in the country. He also urged MAN to use the opportunity of the Forum to develop a survival strategy for the real sector that would be enduring and effective.

He described the theme of the Forum “Nigerian Economic Recovery: Strengthening the Real Sector” as apt and timely, especially in the light of the need to assist the country in getting out of the economic uncertainty and return to the path of self-sufficiency and stability.