ICCN urges government to address congestion in seaports

President, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) Babatunde Savage, has appealed to the Federal Government to address congestion in the country’s seaports to enhance trade and investment in the economy.

He noted that to compete favourably with the world economy, it is imperative that communication campaigns fall in line with the highest standards of ethical best practices.

Savage, who spoke at the 2017 yearly dinner and dance of the organisation at the weekend held at Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, also called for collective agreement on trade issues and strengthened inter-governmental co-operation against corruption in the country.

According to him, bridging the gap in infrastructure investment, promoting multinational frame-work on investment and expanding access to financing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) would boost the economy of the nation.

He said: “In today’s rapidly changing technology, tools and techniques to market products and services, it is essential to benchmark with the ICC Code which provides an international standard for advertising and marketing communications practice, setting ethical standards and best practice guidance for businesses.

“The organisation has the mandate to formulate world business positions and initiatives by addressing government actions that affect marketing, advertising and consumer protection. All stakeholders in the industry should promote freedom of advertising and commercial speech through effective self-regulation as it serves as the cornerstone of the marketing economy.”

He said there was need for Nigerian government to forge strategic alliances with governments of other African countries to tackle hindrances to business growth.

Savage said that resolving bottlenecks that impede trade would promote cross-border trade and reduce operational cost of businesses.The president disclosed that the chamber would establish an advertising and marketing commission to facilitate business growth and would promote effective self-regulation of marketing and advertising communications.

“The fundamental value of self-regulation lies in its ability to create, enhance and preserve consumer trust and confidence in the business communities and the market itself,” he said.

Besides, Chairman, STB McCann, Nigeria, Steve Omojafor, said: “Sustainable growth comes from adopting best practices in planning, strategy frame-work, communication and an execution excellence that create wealth for the owners, shareholders and stakeholders.

“Timely dissemination of strategies from the board and management to the different levels of employees is one sure way of ensuring that the entire company is operating on the same page, as this is extremely vital to its overall success.”