Mbah Pledges to Collaborate with MAN in Boosting Enugu Economy

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has assured Nigerian manufacturers of his administration’s readiness to collaborate with them in boosting the state economy.

Mbah gave the assurance yesterday when he received the South-east leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) led by its Chairman, Ada Chukwudozie.

In his address, Mbah reiterated that Enugu State had largely been a public sector-driven economy, adding, however, that his administration was working to integrate the private sector to be able to grow the state GDP to $30billion which was top on his administration campaign promise.

He explained that his government was already creating a conducive atmosphere for business by streamlining e-ticketing, reducing multiple taxation for business owners as well as constructing industrial parks, free trade zones and incubation hubs that will help develop the competence and capacity needed to support the ecosystem.

According to Mbah, “We will exceed the expectations of manufacturers in the state. If we will attract private sector investment, we must also provide enough security, and I can say that we are doing that already.”

While assuring MAN of his readiness to collaborate with it, he said his administration was also making sure that both urban and rural roads were in good condition and that people could connect seamlessly to other parts of the country.

Reacting, Chukwudozie said MAN was proud and happy that Enugu State has got a governor who would transform its economy with his innovative and proactive ways of thinking.

She said: “We have no doubt that you are already taking the right steps in the right direction by de-risking the business environment for investors. We are aligning ourselves with your transformative agenda because we all want Enugu State to be prosperous.”

Chukwudozie described Mbah as a man who is constantly thinking about the industries and how to support manufacturers, adding that MAN was ready to identify business and innovative leaders in the state, and see how it can go into joint ventures with them so as to leverage their technology and finance.