By Franklin Alli
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(NACCIMA) arm of the Organised Private Sector, said its on the move to set up an Independent Emergencies Relief Fund to help victims of man-made and natural disasters across the country.

“We are concerned with the recent spate of emergencies, destruction to lives and property by floods in some parts of the country, including of course, cases of bad roads that are death traps in many cities.   We believe that this situation should be tackled through PPP arrangements for effectiveness,” said NACCIMA President, Dr. Ademola Ajayi.

In an address during the Association’s 3rdCouncil meeting in Kano, Ajayi , stressed that in the case of emergencies, they are concerned about the non availability of life-saving equipments and emergency reliefs for victims.

“There should be faster response as every minute counts in life saving.  NACCIMA will wish to partner with Nigerians of goodwill in setting up an Independent Emergency Relief Fund,” he said.

In addition, we suggest that in addressing the problems, the era of narrow and open drainage should be over.  Drainage contracts in cities should include slabs to prevent or reduce ingress of plastics and other wastes, which block drains.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan, for his commitment towards ensuring that the nation has a transformation budget for 2012 fiscal year, which is indeed the first national budget by the Administration.

“We also wish to commend the Federal Government for the efforts and resources so far expended on infrastructure, especially the power projects in the country.  We believe that in no distance time, it would translate into improved standard of living for the citizens.

While we are appreciative of the efforts of the Federal Government in the area of security to lives and properties in the country, we have observed that the issues of insecurity and disorderliness as well as corruption are still very much with us.

“We are however optimistic that these problems and all other distractions would be effectively addressed in the transformation agenda so as to ensure that the in-roads already made are not jeopardised and all our gains and international commendations received after the successful elections are also not lost.”