Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA), has stated that the zone is advantageously placed towards the realization of Enugu State’s $30 billion GDP target.
The Chamber gave the indication at a stakeholders forum convened in Nsukka, which had in attendance prominent leaders from the public and private sectors.
The event was held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, under the agenda: Nsukka Economic Development and Investment Forum (NEDIF), with a unified call to reposition the Nsukka Economic Zone (NEZ).
Themed “Rethinking Nsukka Economic Development Strategies,” and convened by NSCCIMA, in partnership with the Nsukka Professionals Association, Lagos, the focus is on leveraging on available potentials to enhance the economic base of the zone.
The various propositions were contained in a communique signed by the President of NSCIMMA, Barr. Sam Otoboeze, and the Director General of NSCIMMA, Uche Nnadi.
Otoboeze said they would collaborate with the Enugu State Government to facilitate the economic development of Nsukka cultural zone.
He observed that Nsukka Economic Zone, NEZ, consisting of Enugu North Senatorial District and Isi-Uzo LGA was critical to the attainment of the $30 billion Enugu State GDP target, and that the Forum could mobilise all key stakeholders, including the governments at all levels and the private sector to raise at least 60% of the state’s GDP target from the zone.
He further emphasized that the zone’s competitive and comparative advantages, especially with regards to productivity, innovation and connectivity were grossly under-utilized.
In his keynote, Prof. Nnaemeka Ngwu, asserted that NEZ alone could surpass the state’s $30 billion GDP goal, citing the economic potential of the University of Nigeria and proposing the establishment of five new universities in the zone.
He also advocated for large-scale economic tree planting and massive investment in education to create a daily spending power of N1 billion in the zone.
A former Economic Advisor to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu emphasized the need for a mindset shift to unlock development.
Meanwhile, Governor Mbah, through his representative, Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel Urama, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, citing achievements in infrastructure, water provision, and smart schools. He pledged to collaborate with NSCCIMA to accelerate development in the zone.
The Forum identified key challenges, including the absence of an integrated development plan, inadequate infrastructure, high insecurity, and lack of data-driven strategy.
It, however, highlighted the zone’s vast opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism, and logistics, positioning NEZ as a potential agro-innovation and education corridor for the Southeast.
In order to realize the 60% contribution to the state’s GDP target, key resolutions were reached during the Forum.
They include an action plan to mobilize capital for local businesses, creation of a Joint Investment Facilitation Desk between NSCCIMA and the state government, advocacy for planting at least 10 million economic trees in the zone, and establishment of a permanent Trade Fair Complex and a Commodity Exchange Market.
The Founder of Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Dr. Maduka Onyishi and other participants pledged support for investment, monitoring, and policy implementation.
The Forum resolved to create a roadmap and monitoring committee to track progress and sustain momentum.
Others in attendance included religious leaders, and the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu.
