Emmanuel Thomas
Nigeria, February 23, 2016 – President, Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Nike Akande believes that multiple taxation and traffic congestion are issues working against economic development in Lagos.
Akande who made the revelation during a courtesy call on Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly called for collaboration between the Federal Government and the state to address issues of multiple taxation and traffic congestion to facilitate economic development.
She maintained that “Lagos being the home for all, and commercial capital of Nigeria cannot but show the lead by tackling the menace of multiplicity of taxes, challenges associated with certificate of occupancy, tenancy related issues, waste disposal and traffic congestion among others” she said.
Akande who was a two-term minister pointed out that the state Assembly should also look into the issue of late invitation to the state Chambers of Commerce for public hearing, adding that “an investment friendly legislation and oversight is critical for good governance and the progress of the Lagos economy.
“We believe that this is the time for Lagos State to work with the Federal Government to address the factors that are stifling the investment climate in the State, especially in respect of development of infrastructures,” the president said.
While congratulating the Obasa on his emergence as the Speaker, the president noted that there has been a cordial relationship between the executive and legislature, which according to her has been responsible for the stability of democracy in the state.
She stated that LCCI has recorded landmark achievement in the state, saying the organization is ready to collaborate with the state Assembly to assist business environment.
“I also wish to express my profound gratitude for the co-operation the business community has been receiving from the Lagos State House of Assembly in the past.
“The LCCI is reputed for public policy advocacy and will not relent in its efforts to continue to press for an improvement in the business environment,” Akande said.
In his comment, the Speaker promised that the state Assembly is poised to sustain existing cordial relationship between the executive, saying “as you rightly observed, we have passed re-ordering and the 2016 budgets, very ambitious with intention to expand our infrastructures.”
“We are ready to collaborate with any institution that will assist in improving the economy of the state, we realize the challenges facing our country today, Lagos cannot be isolated from it.”
The Speaker also assured the LCCI that the House would henceforth give considerable time for invitation to public hearing that will be extended to the organization.
