Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Chinyere Almona, has urged the Federal Government to go beyond lip services and provide targeted support to businesses to reduce their cost burden, especially relating to energy and logistics.

She recommended non-cash interventions that can ease the harsh production environment.

Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech yesterday, the DG noted that a stable political environment was crucial for business success and for attracting investments.

Urging the government to stay committed to executing all its proposed programmes and ongoing reforms to ensure Nigerians reap the benefits of democracy, she noted that clear and consistent communication about economic reforms and policies must be handed to businesses and the public. This, she said, would reduce uncertainty, build confidence and establish transparent mechanisms for tracking and reporting the progress of the reforms.

Almona called for the expansion of social safety net programmes to support households affected by high living costs and inflation.

She also advocated increased funding for public services such as healthcare, education and social welfare.

The LCCI boss stressed that a collaborative relationship among the government, businesses, civil society and labour unions would help to ensure fair and timely negotiations on wages and working conditions as well as implement continuous dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent labour unrest.

“Implement programmes that support strategic sectors that are pivotal to job creation, tax revenues and infrastructure development. Oil and gas, power and agriculture sectors require special attention as they offer catalytic support to the economy.

“Support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted financing, energy access and market reforms. They form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but face limited access to credit and infrastructure. Also, remain sensitive to the concerns of and feedback from the organised private sector (OPS) and engage in more consultation towards achieving better implementation of policies,” she said.

Urging the government to remain steadfast about implementing all the required reforms, the LCCI DG called on the President to work towards achieving a country built on the rule of law, justice and social cohesion.