…Proposes trade fairs, investment summits, industrial parks
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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity and create an enabling environment for businesses, while seeking stronger partnership with the state to drive its economic expansion.
The President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, gave the commendation on Friday when he led a delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Enugu.
Ibrahim described security as the foundation of economic development, stressing that a safe environment was essential for businesses to operate, attract investments and create jobs.
“We want to congratulate you because security is the number one item. Without security, there is nothing else we can do,” he said, highlighting the importance of security under NACCIMA’s STEAMS agenda, which covers Security, Technology, Education, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Solid Minerals.
He expressed the association’s readiness to support Mbah’s vision of growing Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031, emphasising the need for closer collaboration between government and the organised private sector.
As part of the proposed partnership, the NACCIMA president called for joint trade fairs and investment summits, streamlined land-allocation processes, public-private partnerships to develop industrial parks and stronger engagement between the state government and chambers of commerce.
He also disclosed that NACCIMA was working with partners in Frankfurt, Germany, to facilitate affordable financing for industrialists and manufacturers, with access to up to $10 million over seven-and-a-half years at single-digit interest rates.
Ibrahim further expressed interest in promoting Nsukka yellow pepper as an export commodity and establishing the proposed Renewed Hope NACCIMA Village in Enugu, one of six states being considered for the initiative.
He urged Governor Mbah to champion the project, which he said would promote rural enterprises and help curb rural-urban migration.
Responding, Governor Mbah described NACCIMA as “the voice of the Nigerian business community,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building an economy driven by private capital, with government providing the enabling environment and reducing investment risks where necessary.
Mbah said his administration remained committed to its campaign promise of expanding Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four to eight years.
He explained that the government’s investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, transportation and security were designed to stimulate economic growth while improving residents’ quality of life.
On security, the governor said his administration had tackled insecurity “frontally” and brought the sit-at-home order to an end within three months of assuming office.
He disclosed that the state had established a Safe City Surveillance System, including a Command and Control Centre, as well as a Distress Response Squad equipped with vehicles fitted with AI-enabled surveillance cameras.
According to Mbah, the improved security environment had helped attract private capital into the state. He cited investments and partnerships involving United Palm Products, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas Limited, Hotel Presidential and Landmark Nike Lake Resort.
The governor also highlighted efforts to attract investment into manufacturing, including the Enugu Haier Factory and a tractor assembly plant. He said the state government had provided guarantees and purchase commitments to reduce investment risks and encourage local production.
On tourism and connectivity, Mbah said the state was targeting three million visitors annually, adding that Enugu Air had been launched as part of efforts to improve connectivity.
He also said the government was working with the Federal Government and private-sector partners to operationalise the international wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Mbah listed several tourism projects being pursued by the administration, including a 400-metre zip line, cable car infrastructure, the Cross of Hope at Awhum, the ancient iron-smelting site at Lejja and the Nsude pyramids.
On human capital development, the governor said the administration was investing in education and healthcare, including the provision of more than 7,000 classrooms through its Smart Schools initiative.
He added that the Enugu International Hospital was designed to position the state to attract a share of the medical tourism market.
The governor maintained that the government’s investments across key sectors were aimed at creating the conditions for sustained private-sector participation, expanding economic opportunities and advancing Enugu’s long-term development goals.
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