Nigeria: ICSAN urges FG to create a conducive business environment

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has called upon the Federal Government to establish a conducive business environment that fosters growth and prosperity.

The institute contends that the government should demonstrate support for the private sector by eliminating obstacles that could impede their operations.

President of ICSAN, Funmi Ekundayo, said this at a media parley in Lagos, stressing a gestation period for the government to give better socio-economic satisfaction to the citizens

In light of the prevailing challenges in the country, Ekundayo advocated for increased intervention from the Federal Government to alleviate the impact of inflation on the citizens.

She emphasized that despite the government’s awareness of economic challenges, it is crucial to hold them accountable for areas where they fall short.

“Government needs to put the right sticks in the right fire. There is hope if the government is moving in the right direction. Government should lead by example if it urges citizens to tighten their belts.

If most Nigerians are doing well in tolerating socio-economic headwinds, then it is not appropriate to see the level of economic wastage; the government should be cautious and not be seen as not acting on what they preach. If the private sector is pushed to the wall, they would be also pushed to take actions like downsizing,” she said.

Expressing optimism about an impending economic recovery, the ICSAN chief encouraged the government to allocate the funds generated from fuel subsidies towards prompt infrastructural development, ensuring citizens’ immediate and tangible benefits.

She emphasized that the government must reshape its narrative to prevent the mass emigration of Nigerians, particularly the youth.

Regarding the upcoming review of the National Minimum Wage next year, she suggested comprehensive and meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders, including labor unions and pensioners’ unions. This, she noted, would facilitate the development of a proposal that is acceptable and equitable for all parties involved.

She recommended the need to overhaul the public sector, stating that lack of coordinated systematic planning and poor implementation of policy guidelines with its concomitant poor service delivery has continued to undermine the operations and effectiveness of the public sector.

“Factors militating against successful implementation of governmental policies which include inaccurate statistics, knowledge deficiencies, corruption, and lack of effective control must be looked into and addressed appropriately,” she said.