We will grow our economy by supporting SSI- NASSI president

The National President of Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Chief Solomon Daniel Vongfa has identified rapid growth of small scale business industrialists as one of the surest paths to economic prosperity through job creation and self reliance in Nigerian .

Speaking ahead of the 35th national convention of the association scheduled to hold in Abuja December this year , Dr Vongfa told journalists that most countries that have unlocked and grown their economies reduced over reliance on Governement by promoting the private sector growth, stressing that Nigeria having been blessed with natural and human resources cannot be left behind the growing trend .

While commending Zamkah technologies Limited as it’s strategic consultants and convention coordinators, the leadership of NASSI pointed out that credible stakeholders, industrialists and development partners across the globe are being contacted to participate in the shared vision of the organization in the overall interest of Nigeria .

According to him,” during our last encounter I explained to you that this is something that all Nigerians must take seriously and participate fully because as a country we must move away from over dependence on oil alone . There are other lucrative businesses that will grow out economy and for us to get that , we have to find a way to encourage our small scale industrialists to even do better even in that same oil and gas sector .

“Industrialists, MSMEs, government leaders, development partners and private-sector institutions expected at landmark December 1 gathering coming up next month ,precisely and with exactly one month to go, preparations are intensifying”.

Speaking further, he said the entitled: “transforming Small Industries for a Competitive Nigeria,” was carefully closed to reflect the idea behind the convention, stressing that ,”this is not just a gathering, it a convention that will positively impact on our economy and this is the time .

“We will bring together industrialists, entrepreneurs, Micro, Small and Medium enterprises, policymakers, government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, investors, regulators, organised private-sector bodies and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s productive economy.

“The Convention is being organised under the campaign message “Small Industries. Stronger Nigeria.”, reflecting NASSI’s position that the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy is closely connected to the strength, productivity and sustainability of its indigenous enterprises and small-scale industries”.

He continued,”at a time when Nigerian businesses are navigating issues around access to finance, energy costs, technology adoption, market access, standards, productivity, skills development and global competitiveness, the Convention is expected to provide a national platform for practical engagement on how small industries can play a stronger role in economic transformation, employment creation and local value addition.

“Its programme will feature a National Industrial Dialogue and Business Convention, bringing public and private-sector stakeholders together to examine issues affecting Nigerian enterprises, including industrial competitiveness, finance, investment, standards, technology, infrastructure, skills, innovation and access to domestic and international markets and we are hopeful that come December 1st , we will all brain storm and provide the way forward because time is of the essence.

“We will have leadership inauguration, awards and convention magazine and other important institutional milestones for NASSI”.

He said the association has begun reaching out to key institutions and partners for participation in policy discussions, technical sessions, enterprise clinics, exhibitions, business linkages and other areas of collaboration.

“Particular attention is being given to strengthening relationships between Nigerian small industries and organisations capable of supporting them through financing, standards and certification, technology, capacity building, export development, market access, investment facilitation and enterprise-support programmes.

“NASSI is also engaging its sister organisations within the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, with the aim of strengthening private-sector participation and ensuring that discussions at the Convention reflect the realities confronting manufacturers, employers, chambers of commerce, small and medium enterprises and indigenous industrialists”.

He continued, “the Association is positioning the gathering as an opportunity for stakeholders not only to discuss the challenges facing Nigerian enterprises but also to identify practical areas of collaboration that can continue beyond the Convention.

“NASSI believes that stronger coordination among government, organised private-sector institutions, development partners, financiers, regulators, technology providers and industrial associations can create more effective pathways for enterprise growth and industrial competitiveness”.