Nigeria celebrates day at Fair

Accra, March 4, GNA - The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner, Mr Danjuma N.Sheni on Thursday called on governments in the West Africa Sub-Region to create a political environment that would accelerate the integration of economic endeavours.

"Unfortunately the progress made in the area of political integration among our people has not been matched by close collaboration in the economic field especially between the private sectors of our countries," he said.

Addressing exhibitors at the ongoing 9th Ghana International Trade Fair on Nigeria Day at the Fair, Mr Sheni congratulated President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for working to ensure relative peace in the Sub-Region.

"For a meaningful economic integration between and amongst the ECOWAS countries, the private sector, must henceforth, play a much more prominent and aggressive role to complement the efforts of the governments of our respective countries", he said.

He said the Nigerian government was pursuing policies that would lead to the reduction in custom duties; give tax rebate and holidays, especially for pioneer industries and expedite the repatriation of capitals, profits and dividends.

"...the government has replaced laws and legal instruments considered to be inimical to free competition...," he said. Mr Sheni expressed the hope that such a Fair would further strengthen the bond of friendship between Ghana and Nigeria on one hand, and all ECOWAS countries on the other.

Mr J.J. Olumekun, Head of the Nigerian delegation to the Fair, said about 40 Nigerian companies and organisations were participating in the Fair with pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumery, processed food and fruit drinks building materials and textiles.