NACCIMA praises Mbah on security, wants to boost Enugu's economy to $30bn

The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, has praised Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his efforts in fighting insecurity and creating a good environment for businesses to grow.

Ibrahim spoke on Friday during a visit with NACCIMA to Governor Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.

He said security is key for economic growth. NACCIMA’s STEAMS agenda, Security, Technology, Education, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Solid Minerals, places security first.

"We want to congratulate you because security is the number one item. Without security, there is nothing else we can do," Ibrahim said.

He mentioned that NACCIMA is ready to support Mbah’s plan to grow Enugu State’s economy from its estimated $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031. He called for better teamwork between the government and the private sector.

Ibrahim suggested joining forces on trade fairs and investment summits, improving land allocation, creating public-private partnerships for industrial parks, and stronger collaboration between the state government and chambers of commerce.

He also revealed that NACCIMA is working with partners in Frankfurt, Germany, to get affordable capital for industrialists and manufacturers. This includes financing of up to $10 million for seven and a half years at low interest rates.

Ibrahim expressed a desire to promote Nsukka yellow pepper as an export and to establish the proposed Renewed Hope NACCIMA Village in Enugu. He noted that Enugu is among six states being considered for this project.

He urged the governor to support the project, saying it would promote rural businesses and help reduce the movement of people from rural areas to cities.

In response, Governor Mbah said his government sees NACCIMA as "the voice of the Nigerian business community." He stressed that the government's economic plan relies on private investment, while the government creates a good environment and reduces risks for investors.

Mbah said his administration is committed to its promise of growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in four to eight years.

He explained that the government’s work on infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, transportation, and security aims to support economic growth and improve life for the people.

On security, the governor said his government tackled insecurity directly and ended the sit-at-home order within three months of taking office.

He added that the state has set up a Safe City Surveillance System, which includes a Command and Control Centre and a Distress Response Squad with vehicles that have surveillance cameras.

Mbah noted that the better security situation has attracted private investment to the state, mentioning partnerships with United Palm Products, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas Limited, Hotel Presidential, and Landmark Nike Lake Resort.

He also talked about efforts to increase investment in manufacturing, including the Enugu Haier Factory and a tractor assembly plant. The government has provided guarantees and purchase commitments to encourage local production.

On tourism and connectivity, the governor said the state aims for three million visitors each year. He mentioned the launch of Enugu Air and efforts with the Federal Government and private sector to make the international wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport operational.

He listed ongoing tourism projects, like 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.

Mbah said the government is also investing in education and healthcare, including over 7,000 classrooms through its Smart Schools initiative.

He stated that the Enugu International Hospital is meant to help Enugu capture a share of the medical tourism market.

The governor concluded that these efforts aim to create the right conditions for ongoing private-sector investment and move Enugu closer to its long-term economic and human-development goals.