The Commerce and Industry Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria, CICAN has cautioned the Federal Government against making Nigeria a dumping ground as a result of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA agreement.
It also advocated for the support of all stakeholders towards repositioning the nation’s economy.
The Association’s Chairman, Frederick Idehai, gave the advice in a statement to officially unveil activities ahead of its 2021 Annual Conference, scheduled for Abuja on October 15, with the theme: “The role of Nigeria’s MSMEs, export, commodities, trade and investment in stabilising post-COVID-19 economy: Issues and Challenges”.
He also urged Nigeria to take full advantage of Free Trade Area implementation to ensure growth and national economic development.
Idehai however stressed the need for Nigeria to quickly diversify her economy, through exports and promotion of local agricultural commodities, among other quality policies and initiatives.
The Chairman, who expressed concern over difficulties experienced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) due to COVID-19 pandemic, lauded various Federal Government interventions, especially the MSME’s Survival Fund established to cushion the devastating effects of the pandemic.
