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 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
condiction 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 Coalition of Trade Association
for Sustainable Development Initiative (COTA-SDI). Membership with the
Initiative is an institutional base, where leaders participate as a
representative of their respective trade association. And it is open to
different kind of legally existing trade associations covering 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 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 Coalition of
Trade Association 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 Coalition of Trade
Association for Sustainable Development Initiative (COTA-SDI) as a credible programme
under the Institute of Trade Association Management Ltd/Gte driven by like-minded
trade associations in 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.
2.
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; take ownership-wheel of proposed solution, deliverables and
achieving results.
3.
To
organize educational, capacity and empowerment programme to addresses
environmental concerns, productivity, security and safety measures across
industry and sectors for a better world.
4.
Grow association’s membership for a
just course aligned with the vision and mission of the initiative.
5.
To serve as a voice for amplifying
relevant economic development policies in Nigeria that accelerates communal
peace, co-existence and happiness.
Target
Our target is to reach over 20 million populations in Nigeria annually
through awareness campaign and programme implementation.
Vision:
To be a foremost Community of choice 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 Donation · Funding through call for Sponsorship
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 +234 915 540 8001
Website: https://www.itamn.org/