Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has urged the Federal Government to bring to reality its resolve and pledge to build the Enugu International Trade Fair complex to international standard according to its master plan.
Governor Peter Mbah made the call in Enugu while declaring open the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair.
The fair, which is being organised by Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), is themed: “Promoting Made in Nigeria products for global Competitiveness.”
Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai, noted that for equity, there was a need for the Federal Government to build and complete the fair complex just as it had done in Kaduna and Lagos fair complexes.
According to the governor, we cannot easily explain to our people why this fair complex is not developed, while that of Kaduna and Lagos had been fully built and developed by the Federal Government.
“I charge the Federal Minister, here present, to make a formal memo to the Federal Executive Council for its development. We cannot afford to wait any longer on this vital economic development move,” he said.
He also called on the chamber and organised private sector in the region to work towards it through executive and legislative lobbying and advocacy as well as media awareness on the matter.
The governor also called on the chamber and other sister chambers in the South-East and South-South regions to open lobby for the opening up of viable waterways, commercial businesses and goods movement through the River Niger Port, Ibom Deep Port and Oguta Port among others.
“This is to facilitate trade and large movement of goods as well as check the excess use of the roads to convey goods, which is more expensive,” he said.
Mbah said that the state had passed and signed its Electricity Act, which means that very soon it will give licence to private investors to generate electricity in the state.
“We know how vital the place of constant and reliable electricity to industrialisation and economy growth of our dear state,” he said.
On the theme of the fair, he said that it was apt, adding that it was only through massive productive activities especially goods patronised by Nigerians can lead the country to prosperity.
“It is also good we add quality and value on every made in Nigerian product we are promoting to gain global competitiveness and acceptability,” he said.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, noted that with its wealth of agricultural and mineral resources, Enugu State is in a prime position to lead the push for products made in Nigeria.”
Nnaji said that the state’s potential for various industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and building materials, sets the groundwork for substantial economic change and industrial growth.
He said: “To make the most of this potential, it’s vital for the state to encourage investment and offer financial incentives to businesses. Enugu’s key location and the increasing demand for local products highlight big market opportunities.
“This effort is supported by Presidential Executive Order Number 5 and the goals of my Ministry to use innovation, science, and technology as the main drivers of economic change.
“We are dedicated to improving the quality and appeal of locally made products, demonstrated by our backing of engineering developments and research efforts.”
In a welcome address, Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), called on Federal Government through the CBN to reconsider reviewing downwards, interest rate.
Jideonwo noted that policies of government especially as it affects credit to SMEs should be made to work by using the business associations as buffer for her members that are genuinely in need of credit facilities to expand their business operations.
According to him, now is the time to support the startups/SMEs which will in turn, tackle the issue of unemployment, insecurity, hunger, etc, in our country, for wealth creation.
“There is no gainsaying that this will go a long way to unleash the economy of most states in the Federation and thereby expanding the frontiers of the nation’s economy.
“One of the unique features of the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair, is the presence of the second 1000sqm Marquee Tent designated to accommodate SMEs from Enugu State.
“All thanks to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba for sponsoring the installation of this tent where all SMEs are showcasing their products and services.
“By this, the ingenuity and new ideas in the state would be brought to bear for commercialization. We have also made entry to the Fair complex free to all visitors. This is aimed at driving more traffic into the Fair.
“Interestingly, we have resolved to make this fair a pilot fair to boost our match making strategy to provide a more amenable atmosphere for interface between Researchers, Prototype Innovators and Investors for enhanced linkages to enhance and unleash the industrial sector/SMEs.”
