The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has praised Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his administration’s efforts in improving security and creating a business-friendly environment across the state.
Ibrahim gave the commendation on Friday during a courtesy visit by a NACCIMA delegation to the governor at the Government House in Enugu.
Security key to economic growth
Speaking during the visit, the NACCIMA president described security as the foundation of economic development, noting that it is the first pillar of the association’s STEAMS agenda—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 the improved security situation in Enugu had created confidence for businesses and investors.
NACCIMA seeks stronger partnership with Enugu
Ibrahim said NACCIMA was prepared to partner with the Enugu State Government in achieving its ambition of expanding the state’s economy from an estimated $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031.
He proposed deeper collaboration through:
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Joint trade fairs and investment summits.
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Faster and more transparent land-allocation processes.
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Public-private partnerships for industrial parks.
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Stronger cooperation between the state government and chambers of commerce.
The NACCIMA president also revealed that the association was working with partners in Frankfurt, Germany, to provide manufacturers and industrialists with financing of up to $10 million for seven-and-a-half years at single-digit interest rates.
Nsukka yellow pepper, NACCIMA Village proposed
Ibrahim expressed interest in promoting Nsukka yellow pepper as an export commodity and disclosed plans for the proposed Renewed Hope NACCIMA Village in Enugu.
He said Enugu was among six states being considered for the project and urged Governor Mbah to champion the initiative, describing it as a strategy for boosting rural enterprises and reducing rural-to-urban migration.
Peter Mbah highlights private-sector-led growth strategy
Responding, Governor Mbah described NACCIMA as “the voice of the Nigerian business community” and said his administration’s economic policy was built on attracting private capital while government focuses on providing infrastructure and reducing investment risks.
He reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the campaign promise of growing Enugu’s economy to $30 billion within four to eight years.
According to the governor, investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, tourism and security are all designed to stimulate economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.
Governor lists security interventions
Mbah said his administration confronted insecurity immediately after taking office and ended the sit-at-home order within three months.
He listed several security initiatives, including:
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A Safe City Surveillance System.
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A Command and Control Centre.
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A Distress Response Squad equipped with AI-enabled surveillance vehicles.
He said the improved security environment had attracted private investments into the state.
Investments and tourism projects
The governor cited partnerships and investments involving:
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United Palm Products.
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Sunrise Flour Mill.
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Nigergas Limited.
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Hotel Presidential.
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Landmark Nike Lake Resort.
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Enugu Haier Factory.
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A tractor assembly plant.
He said the government had provided guarantees and purchase commitments to encourage local manufacturing.
On tourism, Mbah said Enugu aims to attract three million visitors annually. He added that the state had launched Enugu Air and was working with the Federal Government and private investors to operationalise the international wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Major tourism projects include:
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A 400-metre zip line.
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Cable car infrastructure.
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Cross of Hope at Awhum.
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Lejja ancient iron-smelting site.
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Nsude pyramids.
Education and healthcare expansion
Governor Mbah also highlighted the construction of more than 7,000 classrooms under the state’s Smart Schools initiative.
He said the Enugu International Hospital is being developed to position the state as a destination for medical tourism.
Mbah said the combined investments in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and tourism are intended to create a sustainable environment for private-sector investment and long-term economic development in Enugu State.
