The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is apolitical, but keen on setting the economic agenda for the political parties’ candidates and their plans “to make a better Nigeria in the next generation”.
LCCI President, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole, made this assertion in his address on Tuesday at the Chamber’s Private Sector Economic Forum with on 2023 Presidential Candidates.
The President noted that the Chamber was aware of the overshadowing effect of politics over economics in managing the Nigerian economy; therefore, it is determined to set a new economic order.
Asiwaju Olawale-Cole asserted that the new order could take the country’s economy from the “doldrums”, adding that new policy directions, institutional reforms and sound governance are critical to creating a new economic order in Nigeria, reiterating that this was among the crucial factors that informed the Forum.
LCCI recalled: “For the past 16 years; the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has organized this session in every election cycle. This is a part of its public policy advocacy to provide a first-hand opportunity for presidential candidates of the leading political parties to speak to the organized private sector (OPS) on their economic blueprint for Nigeria. All patriotic Nigerians would like to know the plans and intentions of a future President, and this will most likely enhance the choices people make at the polls”.
The first session of the Forum for the incoming elections featured the Presidential candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Atiku Abubakar.
The candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and opposition Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi are also to be hosted by the Chamber.
The Forum was graced by Deputy President, Gabriel Idahosa, Vice President and Chairman, (Public Affairs & Advocacy Committee) Prince Abimbola Olashore.
Also in attendance was Dr. Ayo Teriba, Chairman, Economic & Statistics Committee, LCCI And CEO, Economic Associates, industrialists, politicians and media executives.