By Isaac Mission 

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed support for Enugu State’s economic expansion plans, while praising Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for its efforts to improve security and create a more favourable climate for investment.

NACCIMA President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, spoke on Friday when he led a delegation from the business organisation on a courtesy visit to Governor Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.

Ibrahim described security as a critical requirement for economic development, noting that it was also the first component of NACCIMA’s STEAMS agenda, which covers Security, Technology, Education, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Solid Minerals.

He said the association was prepared to work with the Enugu government as it pursues its ambition of expanding the state’s economy from an estimated $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031.

To strengthen private-sector participation, Ibrahim proposed greater cooperation between the government and organised business community, including joint trade exhibitions, investment summits and public-private partnerships for industrial development.

He also called for improvements in land allocation processes to make it easier for investors to establish businesses in the state.

The NACCIMA president disclosed that the association was collaborating with partners in Frankfurt, Germany, to provide industrialists and manufacturers with access to financing of up to $10 million, repayable over seven-and-a-half years at single-digit interest rates.

He further identified Nsukka yellow pepper as a potential export product and expressed NACCIMA’s interest in establishing the proposed Renewed Hope NACCIMA Village in Enugu.

According to him, Enugu is among six states being considered for the initiative, which is intended to stimulate rural businesses and address the movement of people from rural communities to urban centres.

Responding, Governor Mbah described NACCIMA as an important representative of the Nigerian business community and said his administration remained committed to using private capital to drive economic growth.

He said the government's role was to create the right conditions for businesses to operate while reducing investment risks where necessary.

Mbah reiterated his administration’s target of growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four to eight years, pointing to investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, transportation and security as part of the strategy.

On security, the governor said his administration had taken measures to address insecurity and brought an end to the sit-at-home order within three months of assuming office.

He also cited the establishment of the Safe City Surveillance System, including a Command and Control Centre, as well as a Distress Response Squad operating vehicles equipped with AI-supported surveillance cameras.

According to Mbah, the improved security situation has contributed to renewed investor interest in the state. He referenced investments and partnerships involving United Palm Products, Sunrise Flour Mill, Nigergas Limited, Hotel Presidential and Landmark Nike Lake Resort.

The governor also highlighted efforts to expand manufacturing capacity, including the Enugu Haier Factory and a tractor assembly project. He said government guarantees and purchase commitments were being used where necessary to reduce investment risks and encourage local production.

In tourism, Mbah said Enugu was targeting three million visitors annually. He added that the state had launched Enugu Air and was collaborating with the Federal Government and private-sector partners to facilitate the operation of the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

He listed several tourism projects under development, including a 400-metre zip line, cable car facilities, the Cross of Hope at Awhum, the ancient iron-smelting site at Lejja and the Nsude pyramids.

The governor said similar investments were being made in education and healthcare, including the construction of more than 7,000 classrooms under the Smart Schools programme.

He added that the Enugu International Hospital was being developed as part of efforts to position the state to benefit from medical tourism.

Mbah said the various initiatives were aimed at creating an environment capable of attracting sustained private investment and supporting Enugu’s long-term economic and human development objectives.