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President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to use its platform for disbursement of financial intervention to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He made the call during CBN special day at the ongoing 16th Abuja International Trade Fair.
Represented by the Second Deputy President of the Chamber, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, Dr. Abubakar explained that for the CBN to meet its objectives on policies concerning SMEs, there was the need to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry because of its over 10,000 members across the country.
Speaking in his capacity as the Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof Adesoji Adesugba called for the implementation of the recommendation for the provision of financial and banking operations at the free zones.
While commending the leadership of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its efforts in exploring the opportunities of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Mr Osita Nwanisobi called on Nigerians to focus on the production of items in which the country has comparative advantage and also patronise Nigerian products to grow the economy.
Mr Osita Nwanisobi who acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic said the apex bank would continue to assist individuals, SMEs, large corporate entities, farmers, artisans as well as fund healthcare institutions.
The Theme of the 16th Abuja International Trade Fair is “Exploring the Opportunities of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”.
Reporting by Annabel Nwachukwu; editing by Muzha Kucha