The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., has inspected facilities at SecureID Limited, the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Oye, who led a delegation of NACCIMA to the facility, reiterated the need for increased efforts by the federal government and other stakeholders to address challenges that stifle growth and the optimization of investments in the country.
The NACCIMA boss, while commending the company for their role in the nation’s economy, restated NACCIMA’s commitment to improving the business climate through policy advocacy, while also providing support services to help businesses thrive.
Oye said, “It is a profound honor to stand before you today as the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). As an association, NACCIMA has been steadfast in its dedication to fostering a vibrant commercial environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of businesses within Nigeria and beyond.
“As we congregate in the impressive facilities of SecureID Limited, it is my privilege to introduce to some and reiterate to others the pivotal role NACCIMA plays in the business landscape, within its network of over go City, State, Regional and Bilateral Chambers of Commerce.
“We are the voice of the Nigerian business community, providing a platform for advocacy, networking, and the promotion of trade and investment opportunities both domestically and internationally. Our mission is to improve the business climate through policy influence, while also providing support services to help businesses thrive.
“Now, turning to SecureID Limited, I must express the immense pride that NACCIMA, and indeed the nation, feel towards your exemplary achievements. As the first smart card manufacturing company in Nigeria and the broader sub-Saharan Africa, SecureID Limited has set an industrial benchmark, showcasing the heights Nigerian enterprises can reach with ingenuity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
According to him, “Your expansive client base, spanning over 21 African countries, is a testament to the quality and reliability of your products and services. The fact that SecureID Limited is a 100% African-owned entity that has earned certifications from Visa, Mastercard, Verve, GSMA, ISO 9001, and CQM, further underscores the global standard of operation you maintain.
“However, it is imperative to acknowledge the challenges you face. Volatility in currency (Naira), and high tariffs on raw materials impede cost competitiveness, while the lack of sufficient patronage from our own governments and the importation of readily producible banking cards on our shores are hurdles that stifle growth and optimization of investments in Nigeria.”
On the need by the government to strengthen efforts to boost the inflow of investment into the Country, Oye further stated, “To improve on the current efforts of the government to secure more foreign direct investment, the government needs to engage the relevant stakeholders, especially companies that have already invested in Nigeria like SecureID Limited, the Organized Private Sector led by NACCIMA, towards resolving the daunting challenges faced by investors, toward the optimization of opportunities.
“As we celebrate your successes, we must also amplify the call for more government support. It is crucial that the government recognizes the value in patronizing locally manufactured products, such as identity management cards and banking cards. Doing so not only nurtures our industries but also propels the national economy forward. SecureID’s potential to be a PAN-African and global leader in providing smart secure solutions cannot be fully realized without concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government.
“Furthermore, we see burgeoning opportunities in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These trade agreements offer platforms for SecureID to expand its footprint and to champion the African narrative of self-sufficiency and technological advancement.”
He added, “In this light, NACCIMA pledges to continue advocating for policies that will reduce the cost of raw materials through tariff adjustments and to stimulate increased local demand through government patronage. We will also support SecureID and similar companies in leveraging regional trade agreements to expand market reach. To the team at SecureID Limited, your journey thus far has been nothing short of inspirational.
“Your resilience in the face of challenges and your relentless pursuit of innovation have set a standard for others to follow. Let us all take a cue from SecureID’s unwavering quest for excellence and work together towards a future where Nigerian businesses are not just regional leaders but dominant global players.”
