Lawmaker Calls for Special Legislation To Grow Hospitality Industry

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called for special legislation that would assist small businesses, particularly the hospitality industry, to have access to loans in Nigeria.

Kalu made that call in Abuja during the unveiling of Tastia Restaurant and Bakery in Wuse 2, the commercial hub of the nation’s capital.

He said that “there is a need to encourage more young entrepreneurs with loan facilities in their quest to reduce unemployment in the country.”

He called on the government to provide an enabling environment and create a special bank for Small and Medium Enterprises to access soft loans.

According to him, people who are taking unemployed youths out of the streets, and promoting entrepreneurial activities in the country need to be encouraged and supported.

“We need to come up with new legislation to encourage entrepreneurs and protect their businesses. Government should also consider setting up a hospitality bank to provide more access for those in the hospitality industry to get loans,” Senator Kalu said.

He called for more laws to improve the business environment, to foster deeper investment within and outside the country.

On his part, the owner of Tastia Restaurant and Bakery, Mr. Kester Agwu said that the incoming government needed to initiate policies to grow entrepreneurial ventures.

Agwu noted that he has employed 1000 Nigerians in the hospitality business and would continue to open more branches across the country with the view to creating more jobs for the people.

He added that he has expanded the business to support the government’s efforts in reducing unemployment in the country.

Mercy Chukwudiebere