BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, under the auspices of Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN), has decried its inability to participate at 2013 Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS trade fair, held in Togo, blaming it on finance. Recall that the association was selected by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC to represent the country.

Speaking at a business forum/ inauguration of AMEN Cooperative, President AMEN, Prince Saviour Iche, described the ongoing submission of business proposals to the Bank of Industry (BOI) through SMEDAN as a welcome development, saying, “ but our members may not be able to access the fund due to stringent requirements and conditions attached to it. We are proposing to meet the management for the way forward.

“The ECOWAS Trade Fair in Togo, which the association was selected by NEPC to represent Nigeria was canceled due to lack of fund to finance members. The issue of finance to meet the association needs must be critically looked into and ways to solve the problem must be mapped out.

Highlighting further challenge, he bemoaned the levies collected by government agencies from its members, noting that it is affecting turnover and if not checked could hamper expansion.

He added that the cost of obtaining documents needed for product registration is very high in Nigeria, “the relevant government agencies should consider the beginners when making policies.”

A three year over view of the year under review, show that from 2011 to 2013, the number of police cases involving members reduced from 15 to three,  trademark registration increased from 10 to 40, NAFDAC registration from five to 30, meeting with agencies improved from one to 18, among others. “Since the inception of AMEN, we have awaken the consciousness of Nigerians to own a business aimed at generating employment for the youths. Our slogan and vision of one family, one product and service is impacting positively on the young Nigerians as we can see the number of fresh graduates joining the association on daily basis,” he said.