Anambra State Governor Signs Economic Agreements With 13 Organisations

The Anambra State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 13 organisations across different economic sectors including commerce and automobile.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony at the Anambra Investment Summit, the state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo recalled that MoUs had been signed with seven estate developers including Awka Millennium City, to develop the new Awka, promising that progress reports would be given by next year.

He expressed willingness to partner with more investors on what he described as “bankable projects,” saying “the state government is intentionally packaging Anambra as the choice investment destination.”

Governor Soludo who said that Anambra has the highest population density per square kilometers, described the state as a locational hub.

He said that “Anambra is number one out of seventeen states in the Southern part of the country on ease of doing business.”

He said: “I will put in my money as equity to demonstrate seriousness. We will get those who help Anambra State in terms of building factories, and employing people.

“We will name major institutions our past leaders and those who build industries and employ people.”

Mrs Ada Chukwudozie, the chairperson of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria, MAN, noted that Governor Soludo has ushered in a new lease of life into the state’s growth trajectory.

She said, “Our prime purpose is to extend our excellent products and services to a great number of people across Nigeria, ensuring that they have access to the best options that enhance their endeavours. It is for this reason we have expanded our network beyond the local base.

“We have a long history of investing to improve and expand the businesses. In addition, we expect them to perform to high standards and will invest to help them achieve

Concerning MAN, she emphasised that over the years, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector has been acknowledged as one of the highest contributors to the other sectors as it supports the economy, and directly contributes to the GDP and the labour market.

According to her, the manufacturing sector has a multiplier effect on the economy, creates wealth via trade, and drives innovation.

Mrs Chukwudozie identified inconsistent and unfavourable government policies, multiple taxations, poor access to cheaper funding and forex as well as insecurity and poor infrastructure, among others, as some of the challenges facing the sector.

She expressed optimism that they could be overcome by manufacturers following the continued show of hope and confidence by members.

Mrs Chukwudozie is also the Executive Director of Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited and the Founder of Association of Professional Women on Rural Development.

The Managing Director of Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Mr. Mark Okoye asked investors to seize the wealth of investment opportunities and boundless opportunities in the state.

The MoUs were signed with Dozzy Group Nigeria Limited, Universal Elysium Ltd for the development of Onitsha River Port, Birds Water Ltd, and Neni Development Union for the development of Neni Water Scheme, OMAA Global Engineering and Tech for the development of AUU Automative Industrial Park and Nko Agro Park for the development of Nko Agro Park.

Others were GVE Projects Ltd for the development of Green Village Electrification, Sundry Markets Ltd for the development of Awka Shopping mall, CPCs Transcommunication Ltd for the delivery of master plan for Anambra Intra-City Rail, connecting Awka, Ekwulọbịa, Nnewi and Onitsha, Mahendra Consulting Engineering Ltd for Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City and Afrexim Bank.

To develop the Anambra Pharmaceutical Hub at Ogboji, the government signed MOUs with Nimet Pharmaceuticals, Green Life Pharmaceuticals, and the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria.

Mercy Chukwudiebere