The Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) has called for the establishment of a N1 billion Enterprise Development Programme Fund (EDPF) to drive economic growth and enterprise development in the Nsukka Economic Zone of Enugu State.
Speaking at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) stakeholders’ engagement in Enugu, NSCCIMA President, Sam Otoboeze, described the Nsukka Economic Zone as a strategic economic hub with vast potential in agriculture, innovation, agro-processing, and small business development.
He said the proposed fund would support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), youth and women entrepreneurs, agro-processing cooperatives, and business incubation programmes across the zone.
According to Otoboeze, the initiative could support up to 1,500 SMEs and small traders within its first year, empower over 1,000 youth and women-led businesses, and generate between 2,500 and 3,500 direct jobs, alongside thousands of indirect economic opportunities.
He also praised Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for implementing policies that have improved Enugu State’s business environment and strengthened the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
