The Kano State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) has called on the state government to appoint individuals with strong business backgrounds into key economic leadership positions to boost industrial growth.

The President of KACCIMA, Usman Hassan-Darma, made the call at the first Quarter Council Meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) held on Wednesday in Kano.

Mr Hassan-Darma opined that appointing experienced business professionals, particularly as commissioners in critical economic ministries, would strengthen public-private collaboration, enhance policy coherence, and ensure practical, responsive governance.

He said, “This can be achieved by ensuring that key economic leadership positions are given to individuals with strong backgrounds and active experience within the business community.”

He added that such appointments would boost industrialisation, attract investment, and promote job creation in the state.

The KACCIMA president also sought full restoration of the chamber’s rights and privileges within NACCIMA, including adequate representation in its organs, participation in key decision-making processes, and inclusion in federal policy consultations.

According to him, inclusive representation will enhance legitimacy, foster unity, and amplify the voice of the organised private sector.

Mr Hassan-Darma commended the Kano State government for its efforts in promoting collaboration with the private sector, noting that such partnerships remained critical to sustainable economic growth.

He said KACCIMA remained committed to working with NACCIMA, government at all levels, and other stakeholders to promote economic growth and national prosperity.

Earlier, the national president of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, said the association continued to engage key sectors of the economy to advance private sector interests and national development.

He said NACCIMA had participated in major national and international engagements, including fiscal policy discussions and global trade forums, to position Nigeria within the global business ecosystem.

Mr Ibrahim added that the association was implementing programmes such as the ECOWAS Agricultural Training initiative, as well as planned roundtable meetings and a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) summit to strengthen enterprise development and skills capacity.

He noted that despite prevailing economic challenges, including inflation and evolving financial regulations, opportunities existed in areas such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, the digital economy, and green investments.

Also speaking, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf , represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the business environment.

He said the government had implemented reforms to strengthen engagement with the organised private sector, upgraded markets, reviewed investment policies, and supported small and medium enterprises.

Mr Kabir-Yusuf added that the state had committed significant resources to energy development, noting that improved power supply was critical to enhancing commerce and trade.

Meanwhile, NACCIMA launched a N20 million economic tree planting initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and supporting a healthier environment. 

(NAN)