Awka, Anambra State – Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has articulated his administration’s robust agenda aimed at promoting production for export during a Business Roundtable with manufacturers, importers, and exporters in the state.
Themed “From Import to Industrialization for Export,” the event took place at the International Convention Centre in Awka and was organized to address the challenges confronting manufacturers, importers, and exporters, with the aim of finding effective solutions.
Governor Soludo underlined the significance of the gathering as an opportunity for the government to better understand how it can assist investors and their partners in establishing a presence in the state. He assured attendees of ongoing reforms to streamline approval processes within the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The government is also evaluating ANSIPPA’s facilities to ensure smoother access for potential investors.
Governor Soludo highlighted his administration’s ambitious agricultural agenda, including the palm and coconut revolution, which is poised to create a new ecosystem within the state. He revealed efforts to expedite land acquisition processes, with the goal of reducing land certificate processing time to 72 hours.
In response to concerns raised about traffic management, the Governor pledged to introduce road markings to distinguish red zones from free zones for motorists. He also promised to address issues related to the conduct of officials from the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) and reevaluate fines imposed, all while emphasizing the importance of these actions for the public’s benefit.
Governor Soludo revealed ongoing discussions regarding the potential generation of captive power using gas, with a promise that by December, Upper Iweka would undergo significant improvements to enhance safety and solidify Anambra as a premier investment destination.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Industry under the leadership of Commissioner Mr. Christian Udechukwu, underscores the government’s commitment to attracting more investors to drive the state’s growth and development.
Speakers at the event voiced concerns that included disruptions caused by the Monday sit-at-home actions, inadequate road infrastructure, particularly on Owerri Road in Onitsha, visa procurement difficulties, challenges in obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), security issues, touting, and the revival of the Onitsha Seaport, among others. They recommended steps such as enhancing security through the installation of CCTVs at strategic locations, the establishment of an integrated trade platform, incentives to encourage industrialization, and the creation of a contributory scheme to bolster the manufacturing sector’s impact.
The event witnessed the presence of Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and several members of the Anambra State Executive Council, as well as prominent business figures.