Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, Monday, said for Nigeria to explore new trade frontiers, special emphasis must be placed on integrated planning to enhance exports.
He made the remark at the first International Sea Trade and Investment Convention held in Lagos, where he explained that a key component of the right integrated planning was ownership of assets that were fundamental to export trade such as ships, trains and trucks.
According to him, “It therefore behoves on the government in Africa to promote policies that encourage private sector investment in ownership and operation of these assets. The same goes for port development, good roads, provision of reliable power, water, safety and security and other necessary infrastructures.”
Abubakar said Africa should move from the mindset of thinking only about Europe, Asia and America whenever export trade was discussed to focus more on its potential growth in economy and population that translated to its market.
The former head of state emphasised on the adoption and implementation of policies of intra African and inter regional trade among African countries.
Adebayo Sarumi, chairman, International Sea Trade and Investment Convention Steering Committee during his address, emphasised on the need for Africa and Nigeria to export, adding that Nigeria had reached a stage where it either exports or perish.
He noted that in the midst of the human and material resources at its disposal, the country required appropriate infrastructure, requited processes and appropriate export incentives in position to assist the exporters who must be in the private sector.
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