A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Anthony Idigbe, has urged the Delta State Government to set up an arbitrage commission for quick resolution of commercial disputes.
The SAN, who is the President of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), also called for a review of the multiple taxation, which he said has become a burden on businesses.
Idigbe spoke during the Fourth Quarter Council Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) hosted by ASACCIMA in Asaba, the Delta capital.
He said multiple taxation adversely affects the ease of doing business in the state.
Idigbe, who doubles as NACCIMA National Legal Adviser, noted that Asaba and its environs had historically played prominent roles in the nation’s political and commercial life.
He urged the state to partner with ASACCIMA in the execution of proposed projects that will help tackle the challenges of youth employment, insecurity and poor power supply.
He believes that including ASACCIMA and Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA) members in state business delegations will allow businessmen and women to interact with foreign counterparts to boost the sub-regional economy.
According to Idigbe, who is also the DACCIMA President, an integral part of the private sector is the Chamber of Commerce, which has worked with successive governments in fostering development through Organised Private Sector (OPS) initiatives and is poised to do more.
Idigbe urged the government to support efforts towards developing the trade fair complex at Osubi to international standards and to develop similar facilities in Asaba.
He called for support to set up an arbitration commission for quick resolution of business disputes by donating land and a building for ASACCIMA to manage.
Idigbe commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, especially through infrastructural development.
He said: “I want to commend the state government for creating the enabling environment for business to thrive. Our successive governments have done a lot to foster commerce in the state.
“There has been massive infrastructural development, including the Asaba International Airport, ultra-modern Ogbeogonogo Market, Mechanic Village, amongst others.”
NACCIMA National President, Otunba Dele Oye, said ASACCIMA, established in 1983, has been a tower of strength and a responsible member of NACCIMA.
He said the national body jumped at the opportunity offered to be hosted in Asaba by ASACCIMA.
He said NACCIMA has over 70 cities and state chambers of commerce, 439 corporate members, 13 bilateral chambers and 14 professional business associations.
Oye restated the importance of a functional trade fair complex and urged the state government to partner with DACCIMA in developing the one in Osubi and an exhibition centre in Asaba.
Delta Commissioner of Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Oligida, represented by Felix Oseji, said a private developer has indicated an interest in remodelling the Osubi complex, adding that it will be delivered soon.
He urged the OPS to invest in Delta, adding that the state was safe and investor-friendly.
He described Asaba as the fastest-growing state capital in Nigeria.
The two-day event began on Sunday with a golf kitty and a welcome dinner at Chief Idigbe’s residence in Asaba, followed by a youth empowerment summit, an EXCO meeting and a welcome dinner on Monday.
