By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has invited the top three 2023 presidential candidates; Mr Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Mr Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to speak on their economic plans for Nigeria.
The LCCI Director-General, Dr Chinyere Almona, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, saying that the event would be part of the 2022 edition of LCCI’s Private Sector Economic Forum for the 2023 presidential election.
She said that LCCI was a non-partisan private sector operator which was, however, interested in the economic agenda of the candidates and their plans to make Nigeria better.
She said that as part of its public policy advocacy, the chamber would continuously explore ways of creating a conducive business environment in Nigeria through positive engagements with governments at all levels.
Dr Almona said that LCCI has, over the years, offered its platform for governorship and presidential candidates from major political parties to present their plans for private sector development in Nigeria.
According to her, the chamber has hosted a series of forums successfully over the last four political transitions (16 years).
“The forum which is scheduled to hold on three separate dates at Commerce House, Victoria Island, Lagos, provides a first-hand opportunity for presidential candidates of the three leading political parties to speak to the organised private sector on their economic blueprint for Nigeria,” she stated.
It was revealed that, “Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, at 9.30 a.m.
“Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, is slated for Wednesday, September 14, at 9.30 a.m.
“All Progressive Congress Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would be engaged on Friday, October 28 at 9.30 a.m.”
The physical event, which will be streamed on all LCCI social media platforms, provides an opportunity for participants to ask questions from the presidential candidates on their manifestoes.
“The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains committed to a strong electoral process that will aid the growth and development of the Nigerian economy,” she said.
Modupe Gbadeyanka