Soludo promises to make Nnewi the top industrial city again

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has promised to bring back Nnewi’s status as the main industrial and commercial center in the state. He plans to do this through urban renewal and development projects.

Mr Soludo shared this promise during a visit to important public infrastructure and development sites in Nnewi on Wednesday.

The governor said the purpose of the visit was to find infrastructure problems, reclaim unused public assets, and boost the city's economic potential.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that one of the key places he visited was the Nkwo Nnewi Triangle. This site has a shopping complex that has been incomplete and unused for about 17 years.

Mr Soludo showed concern about the long-term neglect of this facility. He called it a waste of public resources.

“It is unacceptable that public assets intended 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 premises. He mentioned that these sites would be included in a broader urban renewal plan. This plan aims to improve access and enhance public service delivery.

He said the administration is also looking for good locations to build houses. 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. These spaces will be turned into parks, recreation 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 stimulating local commerce.

“We are also reclaiming Nnewi’s rightful place as the premier industrial nerve center of the region,” he added.

He revealed that construction and redevelopment work on the identified projects would start in the coming weeks.