The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, has called for expanded adoption of alternative dispute mechanisms to resolve many outstanding business and contract disputes in the country.
Speaking while on a working visit to the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, the Minister lamented the negative effect of ligations on business growth, urging the Chamber to popularize its Dispute Resolution Centre to serve Abuja and other states of the Federation.
Hosted by the 1st Deputy President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and the ACCI Director General, Victoria Akai, the Minister posited that alternative dispute resolution would save the nation billions of naira while facilitating the growth of the economy.
ACCI Director General, Victoria Akai had earlier briefed the Minister about the activities of the chamber’s four Centres which include, BEST Centre, Dispute Resolution Centre, the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, and the Policy Advocacy Centre.
Speaking, Chief Obegolu re-emphasized the support of the Chamber towards the growth and development of the Jewelry Industry in Nigeria, adding that Business Membership Organizations such as the Abuja Chamber of Commerce will continue to support businesses and institutions for growth towards the overall development of the Jewelry sector.
He said, “The Chamber is proud that one of its institutional members, Gemological Institute of Nigeria GIN is a major stakeholder in the implementation of this master trainer course in jewellery making. The BEST Centre being the training and capacity development arm of the Chamber, has in the past few years provided technical and administrative support to the Gemological Institute of Nigeria to enable it carry out its objective of being a foremost institute for Gemological training in Nigeria.”
“ACCI Co-hosted the 2019 African Gems and Jewelry Exhibition and Show (AGJES) with the theme “Mines to Market”, adding that the show is one of the biggest Gems and Jewelry exhibitions ever held in Nigeria, with participation from both local and international exhibitors.
The DG, Victoria Akai while narrating the contributions of ACCI to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy though its four Centre, appreciated the Minister and the World Bank for locating the MinDiver Jewelry Project at ACCI.
According to her, ACCI is a knowledge house in business promotion and development, calling for greater partnership and synergy with the Ministries and Agencies.
Earlier, the Minister while addressing trainees at the Centre for the training of master Jewellers, restated the commitment of his Ministry to ensure sustainability of the programme through adequate support.
He reminded the trainees that as Master jewellers they are expected to cascade the training to multiply the number of the jewellers in the States, describing mining as critical to economic growth.
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