Date: 2012-06-11

Business community in Kwara State has kicked against the purported fee being planned by the state government on gas emission from generators in hotels and manufacturing companies in the state.

Community News learnt that the state government's action was informed by the plan to discourage all activities that could affect climate change in which gas emission is a contributory factor.

Speaking at an interactive forum with the business community in the state last Tuesday in Ilorin, the president of Kwara Coalition of Business and Professional Association (KWACOBPA), Chief Hezekiah Adediji, frowned at the activities of the consultants of the government that were allegedly going about inspecting hotels with the purpose of implementing the payment of the gas emission fee.

"Some edicts of the State House of Assembly are coming out and can affect us and we must debate it before they are passed. We are not out to oppose government, but to sit with government on how to move the state forward", he said.

He said the group decided to raise its voice against the government's plan in order to forestall the intended bill on the fee being passed by the State House of Assembly.

Chief Adediji, who said the group comprised 19 notable business and professional associations in the state, added that it planned to use advocacy, "by which we intend to work closely with relevant bodies and agencies, rub minds, discuss our problems as well as suggest solutions and alternatives".

He also said that private sector needed to show some interest in governance by coming together, educating themselves and identifying laws and regulations that hinder business.

Chief Adediji, who is also the president of Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), added that the objectives of the group remained to promote economic growth and best business practices in the state.

He also invited business and professional associations that were not part of KWACOBPA to join, adding that those that had joined should participate actively in all activities and programmes capable of achieving business friendly laws that would promote business growth.