COTA -SDI CONCEPT NOTE

Statutory speaking, trade associations aim is to represent the interest of members at all times. Universally the law establishing them and objectives are the same in almost every country of the world. Trade associations provide a collective voice for their members and a forum to solve common problems driven by the objectives and laws establishing them. Rehashing the essence of trade associations in the front burner for socio-economic development of Nigeria is quite imperative. It is interesting to note that globally seven (7) out of every ten adult belongs to an association. A recent survey in Nigeria showed that one out of every four trades and industry in Nigeria has a trade association. Further analysis reveals that over twenty millions of population of Nigeria belong to one trade associations or the other. All these portends trade association as a formidable energy in sustaining the nation’s pride if well harnessed.

The dawn of the sustainable development in 2015 came with new set of challenges that require the contribution of every entity either as a civil society, public, private enterprise, national government and multilateral organizations or trade associations. Today, it is no gain saying Nigeria is out of the wood, environmental degradation, climate effects, economic down turn, poor standards of living, salary and wages turbulence, malnutrition and health conduction with consistent outbreak of epidemics, insecurity and many other appalling condition hold sway in our society. Mitigating those factors, ultimately requires a conscientious synergy that aids crystal implementation of the sustainable development goals in Nigeria. This among others informed the emergence of the Coalitionof Trade Associations for Sustainable Development Initiative (COTA-SDI). Membership with the Initiative is an institutional base, where leaders participates as a representative of their respective trade associations. And it is open to different kind of legally existing trade associations housing operators at the formal and informal sector.

The size of Nigeria's informal economy is estimated to be 58.2% gross domestic product which are predominantly artisans, often referred to as engine of economic growth and development while the rest of are the formal sector which also proposes trade associations at the informal sector as an increasing factor for business life and persuasive voice for development and sustainability.

The Coalitionof Trade Associations for Sustainable Development Initiative (COTA-SDI) is hereafter known as the Initiative.

Case for the Initiative

The dynamic task of leading the wagon of sustainable development for crystal impact in modern times is quite huge, and are beyond the confine effort of a single trade association, individual or organization hence the clarion demand for a broad base multi-stakeholder programme; now emerged as Coalitionof Trade Associations for Sustainable Development Initiative (COTA-SDI) as a credible programme under the Institute of Trade Association Management Ltd/Gte driven by likeminded trade associations of Nigeria.

Aim and Objectives

The general aim of this Initiative is to focus on the three major pillars of sustainability, being social, economic and environment development by identifying the area of needs across Nigerian communities, and prioritize tailor made solutions to the prevailing challenges or situation on communities identified per time. To achieve the overall aim of the Initiative, specific objectives are listed below: 

1. To carry out empirical study to identify aching challenges in the society not limited to humanity, better world, economic sector covering industrial and service industry, corporate world; private and public service; and establish solutions and policies  capable of addressing  the identified challenges.

• To organize a buy-in programme where corporate world (Multinational, Multi-lateral /indigenous organizations who are very keen with empathy towards the achievement of sustainable development goals are given opportunity to participate.

• To organize educational, capacity and empowerment programme to addresses environmental concerns, productivity, security and safety measures across industry and sectors for a better world.

• Grow association’s membership for a just course aligned with the vision and mission of the initiative.

• To serve as a voice for amplifying relevant economic development policies in Nigeria that accelerates of communal peace, coexistence and happiness. 

Target

Our targetis to reach over 20 million populations in Nigeria annually through awareness and campaign programmes.

Vision:

To be a foremost Community of choice for all for driving Sustainable development Goals.

Mission:

• To engage trade associations as an entity to accelerate SDG implementation.
• To drive safety measures and amplify call for adherence to safety practices, happiness and guidelines applicable to sectors and industry.
• To engage programmes and measures to ensure a better world.

Operations Strategy

The initiative ambition over time is to expand its mission across Africa by fostering partnership with like-minded corporations and trade associations in driving its objective and achieving encompassing results.

Membership

• Membership with the Initiative is an institutional base, where leaders participates as a representative of their respective trade associations.
• Trade Associations are invited to join voluntarily having identified the area of synergy for achieving a particular goal and target of the 17 sustainable development goals.
• Fund are sourced through internal contribution from members
• Funding through seeking of grants and Donations

Administration

The secretariat of the Initiative is domiciled at the office of the Institute of Trade Association Management (ITAM Office), Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

For More information or enquiries kindly reach us via:

Email: infous@itamn.org       Or Call     0915 540 8001

Website: https://www.itamn.org/our-programs/cota-sdi/