The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for efforts to improve security and create an enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive in the state.
Ibrahim made the commendation on Friday while leading a NACCIMA delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.
The NACCIMA president identified security as a major foundation for economic growth, noting that it occupies the first position in the association’s STEAMS agenda, which focuses on Security, Technology, Education, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Solid Minerals.
“We want to congratulate you because security is the number one item. Without security, there is nothing else we can do,” Ibrahim said.
He said NACCIMA was prepared to support the state government’s economic vision, including its target of growing Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031.
Ibrahim also called for stronger collaboration between government and the organised private sector through initiatives such as joint trade fairs, investment summits, improved land-allocation processes and public-private partnerships for industrial parks.
He disclosed that NACCIMA was working with partners in Frankfurt, Germany, to facilitate access to affordable financing for industrialists and manufacturers, with proposed funding of up to $10 million over seven and a half years at single-digit interest rates.
The association also expressed interest in promoting Nsukka yellow pepper as an export commodity and establishing the proposed Renewed Hope NACCIMA Village in Enugu State. Ibrahim urged the governor to support the initiative, saying it could promote rural enterprises and help reduce rural-urban migration.
Responding, Governor Mbah described NACCIMA as “the voice of the Nigerian business community” and said his administration’s economic strategy was anchored on private capital, with government focused on providing an enabling environment and reducing investment risks where necessary.
Mbah said his administration remained committed to its campaign promise of growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four to eight years.
The governor highlighted interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, transportation and security as part of measures aimed at supporting economic expansion and improving the quality of life of residents.
On security, Mbah said his administration had tackled insecurity “frontally” and ended the sit-at-home order within three months of assuming office. He also cited the establishment of the Safe City Surveillance System, including a Command and Control Centre and a Distress Response Squad equipped with vehicles fitted with AI-enabled surveillance cameras.
According to the governor, the improved security environment has contributed to attracting private-sector investments and partnerships in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.
He also highlighted government-backed initiatives to attract manufacturing investments, including the Enugu Haier Factory and a tractor assembly plant, with government guarantees and purchase commitments aimed at reducing investment risks and encouraging local production.
On tourism, Mbah said the state was targeting three million visitors annually and had launched Enugu Air while working with the Federal Government and private-sector partners toward the operationalisation of the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
He further listed ongoing tourism projects, 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.
The governor also highlighted investments in education and healthcare, including the construction of more than 7,000 classrooms under the Smart Schools initiative and the development of the Enugu International Hospital, which he said was aimed at positioning the state to attract medical tourism.
The meeting underscored calls for closer government-private sector collaboration as Enugu State seeks to expand investment, industrial activity, employment opportunities and economic development.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
