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Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA) has called on the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori government to consider engaging public budget breakdowns expansively in future.

President of DACCIMA, Prof. Anthony Idigbe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) made the call in a question and answer with banneronlinenews.com.

Asked if DACIMMA expected the Delta State Government to give a public breakdown of the budget after it was presented to the State House of Assembly, as a way of getting the business and organized private sector to understand the mind of government and make necessary adjustments for viable business engagements, Prof Idigbe (SAN) said: “Public breakdown of budget allocations in line with the M.O.R.E. would indeed empower the private sector to make informed decisions. Such clarity allows businesses to align their strategies with government priorities and identify potential opportunities for collaboration.

“We urge the government to consider adopting open communication practices like public budget breakdowns more extensively in future.”

The DACCIMA boss reasoned that while formal consultations an the 2024 budget of the State could have been extensive, he appreciated the recent steps taken by Governor Oborevwori’s administration with the private sector. Idigbe said: “DACCIMA remains committed to open dialogue and constructive engagement on matters impacting the economy,” pointing out that “We believe that continued efforts to bridge this gap will benefit both the government and the private sector in the long run.”

Asked what DACCIMA thinks of the 2024 Delta Budget recently signed into law by the Governor, Prof Idigbe said although the group was still analyzing the budget’s details, and acknowledged that there are initial positive signals like increased allocation for infrastructural development and social welfare programmes, which are priorities that align with the M.O.R.E. agenda’s focus on creating and enabling environment for businesses to thrive, he said: “However, we emphasise the need for investments in sectors directly driving private sector growth, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.”

See full interview below:

DACCIMA responses to interview:

How well is the organised private sector in Delta State fairing?

While challenges like infrastructure limitations and access to finance persist, we’re witnessing growing optimism within the Delta state private sector. Initiatives under Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. agenda, particularly those focused on infrastructural development like road construction and power generation, hold promising potential to address some of these hurdles. However, sustained efforts and collaboration between all stakeholders – government, private sector, and civil society – are crucial to capitalize on this optimism and achieve sustainable growth.

What are the factors militating against growth of the business sector in Delta State and how do you think this can be remedied?

Infrastructure gaps, especially in power and transportation networks, remain a significant constraint. Additionally, access to finance for MSMEs and complex administrative processes continue to hamper business expansion. We commend Governor Oborevwori’s focus on addressing these issues through the M.O.R.E. agenda, particularly the proposed Public-Private Partnerships for power distribution and infrastructure upgrades. Streamlining bureaucratic processes and promoting financial inclusion through innovative initiatives like loan guarantees can further ease operational burdens. Continued dialogue and collaboration between DACCIMA and the government are key to ensuring these efforts meet the specific needs of the private sector.

The Delta State Government 2024 budget has just been signed into law, what is the take of DACCIMA on the budget?

While we’re currently analyzing the budget’s details, we initially see positive signals like increased allocation for infrastructural development and social welfare programmes. These priorities align with the M.O.R.E. agenda’s focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. However, we emphasize the need for investments in sectors directly driving private sector growth, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. We’re confident that open communication and continued engagement with the government will allow us to identify potential areas for budget adjustments that further benefit the private sector.

Did the state government deem it necessary to carry DACCIMA along by calling for your body’s input in the budget?

While formal consultations on the 2024 budget could have been more extensive, we appreciate the recent steps taken by Governor Oborevwori’s administration to foster closer communication with the private sector. DACCIMA remains committed to open dialogue and constructive engagement on matters impacting the economy. We believe that continued efforts to bridge this gap will benefit both the government and the private sector in the long run.

Soon after the Governor presented his budget to the Delta State House of Assembly was DACCIMA expecting the state government to give a public breakdown of the budget as a way of getting the business and organised private sector to understand the mind of the government and adjust so as to make profitable adjustments in business engagements?

Public breakdowns of budget allocations, in line with the transparency objectives of M.O.R.E., would indeed empower the private sector to make informed decisions. Such clarity allows businesses to align their strategies with government priorities and identify potential opportunities for collaboration. We urge the government to consider adopting open communication practices like public budget breakdowns more extensively in the future.

In what way does DACCIMA think that the Delta State 2024 budget will help the organised private sector?

The budget’s focus on infrastructural development, particularly under the M.O.R.E. agenda’s road construction and power generation initiatives, holds significant promise for the private sector. Improved infrastructure is a key driver of economic growth and business productivity. Additionally, investments in social welfare programs can indirectly benefit businesses by creating a healthier and more skilled workforce. However, the effectiveness of these allocations hinges on transparent and efficient implementation alongside continued private sector engagement.

Are there other issues that DACCIMA would want the state government to look into to encourage and strengthen the organised private sector in Delta State?

Beyond budgetary allocations, we encourage the government to address several key issues:

• Streamlining bureaucratic processes:** Reducing administrative burdens will save businesses time and resources, allowing them to focus on growth.
• Enhancing access to finance: Expanding access to affordable credit, particularly for MSMEs, is crucial for stimulating entrepreneurial activity and investment.
• Fostering innovation and skills development: Supporting initiatives that equip the workforce with the skills needed for the modern economy will drive long-term competitiveness.
• Promoting a conducive business environment: Upholding regulatory clarity and consistency, alongside protecting property rights, will attract and retain investment.

By addressing these issues alongside the M.O.R.E. agenda’s objectives, the government can create a truly robust and enabling environment for the Delta State private sector to thrive.