HOW TO ENSURE A HEALTHIER BUSINESS CLIMATE IN 2015: NIGERIAN YOUTHS SPEAK

#OpinionSample

January 2015: Decipher Solutions was invited on a business focused TV program to speak on Youth Expectations from Government in fostering a more enabling environment for business to be conducted in the country.

We were interested in what young Nigerians had to say on this topic and so we conducted an opinion poll majorly on Social Media to hear them.

See some opinion excerpts:

Government should provide us with the basics like electricity. (I guess we have told them this since 1983). We will take it from there!

-       Yusuf

By tackling the security issues in the country. A country where people live in fear; business will be difficult to foster. For example a friend that use to supply fish from Borno to Abuja can no longer go on with the business due to fear of insurgence.

-       Ejiga

Until power is stable no business in Nigeria would have a very good competitive advantage as all your profit would be spent on power(generator, petrol and servicing plus diesel stealing (lol)

-       Musa

More favorable policies around importation and financing e.t.c., better power,  better financing and grants and also more knowledge for start-up businesses.

-       Fetu

Allow independent indigenous marketers to have a percentage to government contracts. Reduce unnecessary tax for small scale businesses and ensure business security with or without knowing any government or top officials.

-       Hairullah

Ensure peace and social stability, political and economic stable environment. Also cost of raw materials should be subsidized.

-       Timon King

Create better amenities especially good road networks

-       Gbemi

Favourable policies, better power, tackle insurgency.

-       Boyo

Stabilize power supply, change industrial age mentality to information age with better and cheaper internet connectivity, the ministry of commerce and industry should be overhauled to a stronger entrepreneurship department. Also business registration charges should be reduced and start-ups should be exempt from tax charges. Additionally, the NYSC program should be changed to NEP (National Entrepreneurship program). Social entrepreneurs should also be empowered with more grants.

-       Christian

A lot of the opinions revolved around better security in the country as waves of insurgent activities continue in North Eastern Nigeria. Also better power which remains a major hindrance to doing business and also ensuring investment. And more favorable policies for start-ups in Nigeria.

Obviously, the youths are very interested in setting up business ventures of their own and generating revenue. With the government focusing more attention on entrepreneurs, there remains a likelihood that the business climate will improve.

At least, we hope so.