By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review critical economic issues in the country, warning that failure to do so could lead to a collapse of key sectors of the economy.
Speaking to journalists in Kano, the President of KACCIMA, Ambassador Hassan Darma, expressed concern over what he described as the lingering and unfortunate dispute between the Federal Government and the Dangote Group, particularly over the Dangote Refinery.
The President noted that Dangote Group remains one of the leading indigenous business entities in Nigeria, providing employment opportunities to thousands of Nigerians across various sectors of the economy.
Ambassador Darma warned that the unresolved issues surrounding the refinery could negatively affect the company’s operations and may eventually force it to scale down its workforce.
According to him, unemployment remains one of the major drivers of insecurity in the country, stressing that government policies and actions should be geared towards creating and sustaining jobs rather than triggering situations that could worsen unemployment.
The KACCIMA president further urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps in addressing corruption challenges within the system.
He cited allegations of corruption against a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), noting that Nigerians are yet to receive clear explanations or resolutions on the matter. He emphasized that transparency and accountability are crucial for restoring confidence in the economy.
Describing the prolonged dispute between the Federal Government and the Dangote Group as a form of economic sabotage, Ambassador Darma called for urgent and amicable resolution of the issues.
Darma dismissed claims that the Dangote Group seeks to monopolize the oil and gas sector, describing such allegations as untrue and capable of discouraging indigenous investors.
He explained that as key stakeholders and “economic gladiators” in the country, KACCIMA and other private sector players consider it their responsibility to speak out against policies and actions that threaten local investments.
He stressed that protecting indigenous investors is essential for sustainable economic growth.
Ambassador Darma concluded by urging the Federal Government to create a more enabling environment for local investors, noting that encouraging homegrown businesses would boost economic activities, generate employment, and ultimately lead to a stronger and more stable Nigerian economy.
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