BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA
Presidency has tasked legal professionals to utilise the several legislations on the ease of doing business to enhance the nation’s economic growth.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on the Ease of Doing Business, Jumoke Oduwole, gave the charge on Wednesday at the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Section on Business Law’s, NBA-SBL,18th Annual International Business Law Conference 2024 held in Abuja.
Speaking at the conference with the theme: “Survival and Thrive”, Oduwole emphasised the administration’s commitment to improve Nigeria’s business climate where she highlighted the ongoing regulatory and subnational reforms aimed at creating a conducive environment for businesses.
She listed the initiatives and legislations to include the president’s eight-point agenda, the omnibus bill, which was started from the scratch; discussions with the National Assembly Round Table; Business Facilitation Act; first Executive Order: EO1-Transparency and Efficiency in Business Environment.
“When the business climate is difficult, we are determined to ensure the implementation of President Tinubu’s vision. I am pleased to say that regulatory and subnational reforms are underway and we are actively engaging stakeholders”, Oduwole stated.
Oduwole also urged lawyers to utilise the newly passed legislation to improve business practices and contribute to a thriving business community.
“We are committed to making a business-friendly environment. Lawyers have a crucial role in using the legislation passed to improve business. Continue to play your part”, she urged the lawyers.
The event, which began with an art exhibition at Warsaw Gallery, featured distinguished speakers and industry leaders.
For his part, Chairman of SBL, Dr Adeoye Adefulu, emphasised the importance of engaging with the right people to ensure survival and thrive in the business landscape.
He highlighted that focusing on survival is crucial for achieving long-term success and encouraged participants not to fear the challenges of survival and thriving.
NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), delivered a poignant remark, reflecting on his tenure and the conference’s theme.
Maikyau shared personal anecdotes, saying, “seeing the incumbent president of the section reminds me of my tenure coming to an end, even though I am still in office. The theme of the conference is apt. I am a survivor. Among my group of friends, I am the only one surviving today. Given the situation today, the theme is apt. When you survive, it gives reasons for purposefulness”.
He urged participants to set clear objectives and remain focused to achieve progressive results.
Overall, the conference underscored the significance of resilience, focus and proactive engagement in the business sector to navigate and thrive in challenging environments.
