In 1998, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) outlined its positions on important business and economic issues in a booklet, National Business Agenda (NBA). This 33-page booklet discusses 30 major issues that are vital to the effective and efficient management of the Nigerian economy. They include tax reform, foreign exchange, privatization, external debt, non-oil exports, rural development, political stability, and reform of Nigeria's stock exchange.

The NBA was part of a strategy to influence public policy by actively engaging the government. According to NACCIMA¹s Executive Director, Lawrence Adekunle, NACCIMA's work, coupled with its National Business Agenda, has encouraged the government to remove a number of laws that inhibit competition. In particular, the telecommunications industry--previously a government-controlled industry--has opened to competition. The oil refining business is currently being opened up to allow private companies to import and sell oil. Moreover, the Nigerian government now seems more willing to listen to the views of the private sector.

For more information, see the online Economic Reform Today article: Strengthening the Voice of Business