ACCI takes action to increase economic activity in the FCT

…Break Group on Ultra-Modern Shopping Centre

Folalumi Alaran

The Federal Government has called for more public private sector collaboration towards repositioning the nation’s Economy.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo on Thursday in Abuja, performed ground breaking of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Ultra-Modern Shopping Centre.

The shopping centre on a 10 hectare land is located behind Shoprite Complex on the Airport Express Way, Lugbe.

The centre, replete with 2, 424 different sizes of shops, 58 warehouses and 12 cold rooms among other facilities is a joint venture partnership between ACCI and Cityspace Properties Ltd.

Performing the foundation laying ceremony, the minister called for more public-private sector collaboration toward repositioning the nation’s economy.

The minister was represented by the Director of Trade in the ministry, Mr Suleiman Audu.

Adebayo restated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring policies and conducive environment for the private sector to thrive.

He said, “ The establishment of the ACCI Ultra Modern Shopping Centre is timely as it will boost economic growth and development in Nigeria. As you all know, markets are important building blocks of any prosperous economy.

“Buying and selling, the exchange of goods and services, always generates the momentum that results in more economic growth. This project is designed to accomplish the Chamber’s goal of promoting the growth and development of businesses in the FCT and supporting the private sector in maintaining sustainable progress and prosperity in commercial activities in Nigeria.”

He noted, further, that following a successful submission of a bid to host the 4th Intra Africa Trade Fair 2025, which Nigeria has been selected to possibly host, the establishment of the Centre will complement the Government efforts in boosting Nigeria’s image during the due diligence process.

President (ACCI) Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar on his part said, the establishment of the 10 hectares Ultra-Modern Shopping Center is anticipated to revolutionize the commercial environment of Abuja and position it as one of the top marketplaces in Africa.

He added that the Centre is under a Joint partnership development initiative between ACCI and Cityscape Properties Limited.

He said, “ The project will accomplish the Chamber’s goal of enhancing and sustaining development of businesses in the Federal Capital Territory and lead the private sector in the delivery of sustainable growth and prosperity in commercial activities and businesses in Nigeria.

“ It will include premium shops, general retail shops, warehouses, and cold rooms, among other things. Its goal is to improve the socio-economic activities of the city and provide a platform for year-round products for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where other Africans can visit and conduct business.” he said.