The Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) has proposed the creation of a ₦1 billion Enterprise Development Programme Fund (EDPF) to drive economic growth within the Nsukka Economic Zone in Enugu State Enugu State.
The President of NSCCIMA, Sam Otoboeze Sam Otoboeze, made this known during his address at the statewide town hall and stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Enugu.
Otoboeze described the Nsukka Economic Zone as one of Nigeria’s most commercially promising and strategically located growth corridors, stressing the urgent need for targeted intervention to unlock its vast economic potential.
According to him, the presence of University of Nigeria the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, abundant agricultural resources, and a vibrant youth population gives the zone strong potential for agro-industrial development, SME expansion, food processing, innovation-driven businesses, and export-focused production.
He explained that the proposed fund, which would be managed by NSCCIMA, is intended to support small and medium-scale enterprises, youth-led businesses, women entrepreneurs, agro-processing cooperatives, and enterprise incubation programmes across the Nsukka Economic Zone.
Otoboeze stated that projections show the fund could support between 1,200 and 1,500 SMEs and small traders within its first year of operation, while also empowering over 1,000 youth- and women-owned businesses.
He added that within the same 12-month period, the fund could create 2,500 to 3,500 direct jobs and generate 7,000 to 10,000 indirect economic opportunities. It is also expected to strengthen agro-processing value chains, boost rural production, and improve youth economic participation, thereby promoting community stability.
The NSCCIMA president also commended Peter Mbah Governor Peter Mbah for his administration’s deliberate economic policies, noting that they have significantly improved Enugu State’s investment climate and laid a solid foundation for inclusive economic growth and long-term business sustainability across the state.
