A Kwara-based coalition of Business and Professional Associations (KWACBPA) has presented a roadmap for private sector development in the state.

The coalition is concerned with achieving a business friendly environment in the state and promoting best business practices for sustainable progress of the state.

Chairman of the coalition, Chief Hezekiah Adediji who presented the proposal during a debate organised for governorship candidates ahead of the 2015 election said with the slump in the price of crude oil, Nigeria and all states of the federation had no option than to develop the private sector to provide jobs for the unemployed and improve internal earnings.

"The Kwara State private sector is currently facing serious challenges that may prevent it from contributing its quota to the economy of the state unless the state government intervenes without delay", he said.

The challenges according to the coalition included; non-implementation of local content development bill, land administration policies, absence of independent power project (IPP) in the state, lack of funding schemes for SMEs, multiplicity of taxes, unexplored tourism potentials, poor water supply, among others.

It recommended for reduction and streamlining of land acquisition charges, embarking on IPPs, creation of industrial clusters, a legislation-backed revolving credit scheme for private sector, tourism exploration programme and provision of basic infrastructure including potable water supply.

The chairman charged the state government to address these challenges to propel the growth of private sector in the state.

"The primary beneficiary of a vibrant private sector is the state government. The resultant increase in commercial activities across the state will lead to employment generation, reduction in crime rate, increased revenue for the state", he said.