Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has promised to bring Nnewi back as the state's top industrial and commercial hub. He plans to do this through smart urban renewal and development projects.
Mr Soludo made this promise during a tour of important public infrastructure and development sites in Nnewi on Wednesday.
The governor said the visit was to spot infrastructure problems, reclaim unused public assets, and boost the city’s economic growth.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that one of the main places visited was the Nkwo Nnewi Triangle. A shopping complex there has been incomplete and unused for about 17 years.
Mr Soludo showed worry about the long abandonment of the facility. He called it a waste of public money.
“It is unacceptable that public assets meant to drive commerce have been left to rot for nearly two decades.
“We are here to draw a line in the sand. This facility will no longer be a monument to neglect; we are moving swiftly to restore it to productive use for the benefit of the people of Nnewi,” he said.
The governor also checked the post office area and the state high court site. He noted that these places would be part of a bigger urban renewal plan to improve access and public service delivery.
He said the government is also looking for good spots for housing developments. This is to support the city's growing workforce and keep it competitive as a commercial hub.
According to him, the government is finding underused open spaces in the city to turn into parks, recreational centers, and commercial facilities.
“Our strategy is simple: we are unlocking the hidden value of Nnewi.
“By converting dormant open spaces into lively public parks and productive facilities, we are not just fixing buildings; we are boosting local commerce.
“We are also reclaiming Nnewi’s rightful place as the premier industrial nerve center of the region,” he added.
He said construction and redevelopment work on the chosen projects will start in the coming weeks.
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