Group laments, calls for revamp in recycling sector, sustainability, and govt intervention over fake electronics parts
By Amechi Obiakpu
Group of Trade Associations in the country have lamented the poor patronages of some of their members which has left many in despair, even as they call on the government for intervention.
According to them, some of the challenges hampering their businesses spurned from the deviation of regulatory authorities from the value chain and processes that have been in place overtime and activities of some elements among others without recourse.
They made the call at this year’s Conference of Nigeria Trade Association (CONiTA 2024) held at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, November 30, 2024.
The Lagos State United Waste Recycling Association frowned over the direct access to waste pickers at dump-site by foreign players in the recycling business, especially the China and Indian owned organizations, which is part of the bane militating the growth of their business in the industry.
According to the recycling association, the norm has been involving chain of labour including pickers, sorters, processors and other middlemen who supply waste to other companies as raw materials for their production.
They said Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) which is in charge of issuing licenses before gaining access to the dumpsite is obviously aware of this practices. The implications according to Akinlosotu Funmilayo, Secretary to the Association is that, many people shall be rendered jobless, spiking unemployment rate and denial of government revenue through taxes which the chain of operators usually pay to government accounts annually. And therefore calling on stakeholders to proffer solutions towards the trend.
On his part, Adepeaiye Nurudeen of National Electronics Technicians Associations of Nigeria (NETAN) wants government to assist in stopping the importation of fake electrical parts into the country by some unscrupulous elements. This he noted was killing the business.
In his recommendation, Engr. Sanya Gbolahan, President, NETAN, said aside training of Artisans, in as much as they are well organized sector and can be located with ease, that government should get them connected to jobs that they can use their skills and knowledge acquired over time to do.
Chief Olalekan James a member of the Lagos State Charcoal Marketers Association (CMA) Alimosho chapter called on Lagos state government to proffer solution to the issue of soft loan for business expansion.
In his paper presentation, Wale Thompson, Assistant Director at Entrepreneurship Department, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment, said government is about projects and collaboration. He pointed that whatever government is doing is like 1% of what the individuals/trade bodies should bring to the table.
Thompson, who represented the Keynote speaker, Taiwo Abiose, Director, Entrepreneurship Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment, pointed that in the world over, SMEs drive the economy and what the government does is provide support.
“Trade associations are powerful and their contribution towards every economy is immense.
My ministry for example has written a lot of organisation to patronise you, the Artisans” he said.
“Whatever government is doing part of which is to collaborate to get things done. For example when I traveled to China and Japan I saw a lot of projects being done by various associations, not group of like-minded persons interested in asoebe or contribution for party, but serious developmental projects. That is why I believe that when you consistently advocate change, it eventually happens as long as you are consistent about it.”
“Everything should not be about the government. In advanced society, it is the SMEs that drive the economy with little support from the government. Hence trade associations should put themselves together and speak in one voice so that their collective expectations will be met”.
President of the Institute of Trade Associations Management and Convener, CONiTA, Dr. Nelson Obine, listed education and awareness; advocacy and policy influence, facilitating access to finance, supporting safety measures and encouraging innovations as some of the ways trade associations can promote sustainability practices for their members.
The benefits according to him includes: enhanced brand reputation, increased members/customer loyalty, improved profitability, minimized regulatory risks and being recognized as a contributor to sustainable development.
He noted that, every artisans and entrepreneurs that is looking to expand their sales across the border spectrum should consider imbedding the practice of sustainability in their operation if they are not doing so already because it is one of the features of marketing strategy l prescribed for African Artisans.
CONiTA, is an annual multi-interface conference that provides platform for different trade associations, professional organizations and artisans both at formal and informal sector; business regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates across industries to share practical models and ideas that can harness the inherent status of trade associations for good governance, inclusive growth and shared prosperity in Nigeria.
The theme for this year’s conference was: “The Nexus of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Trade Association in a Modern World”.
The event which was the 6th edition enjoyed support from various corporate organisations including, Access Bank, First Bank, Flour Mill of Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries, and reckoned as drivers for sustainable development.
Do you have a compelling story to tell? Contact us via our email: espinewsng@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp on 08032519246.
