ONICCIMA to partner Anambra govt on critical sectors for economic growth

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has assured that it will partner with the Anambra State Government on critical sectors that require urgent and strategic intervention.

ONICCIMA said the move was aimed at accelerating economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and significantly easimg the operational burden of most businesses in the State.

Chinedu Nwonu, ONICCIMA President told BusinessDay on Sunday in Onitsha that effective and sustained public-private partnership remained the most viable pathway to unlocking the immense economic potential of Anambra State, to position it as one of the leading commercial hubs in Nigeria.

Nwonu said the task before Nonso Ebonwu, the new Commissioner for Commerce, was enormous, but the chamber was ready to provide the required collective partnership to make Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term administration successful.

“ONICCIMA looks forward to a robust and constructive partnership with the commissioner as we work collectively to advance the shared vision of a prosperous, diversified, and business-friendly Anambra State under the purposeful and transformative leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“As the foremost and apex body representing the interests of traders, manufacturers, industrialists, investors and the wider business community in Onitsha and across Anambra State, ONICCIMA stands ready to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Commerce, as we firmly believe that effective and sustained public-private partnership remains the most viable pathway to unlocking the immense economic potential of our state, positioning it as one of the leading commercial hubs in Nigeria.

“We align with our Executive Governor’s considerations that the new Commissioner’s wealth of experience will inject a strategic direction into the ministry at this pivotal moment in the State’s development,” he assured.

Nwonu said that eight critical areas needed to be rejigged to achieve economic growth of the state, including reliable power supply, infrastructure development, security and safety of business premises, ease of doing business and streamlining multiple taxations.

Others are support for MSMEs, market modernisation and upgrading, reducing the menace of touts, investment promotion and trade facilitation, which the state government had started resolving.

“Streamlining and harmonisation of levies, eliminating multiple taxation to create a more conducive operating environment for businesses has been on the front burner for years. The time is now right for businesses to be made clear in simple terms of their obligations,” he stressed.

He urged the state government to facilitate the provision of consistent and affordable electricity which is fundamental to the survival, growth, and competitiveness of industries and small businesses, particularly within Onitsha and its environ.

According to him, urgent rehabilitation and proper maintenance of key roads, drainage systems, and market infrastructure to mitigate the persistent challenges of flooding, traffic gridlock, fire incidents and disruptions to commercial activities deserve an urgent attention.

“Further strengthening of the security architecture to safeguard lives, property and investments, especially in our major markets which serve as the economic heartbeat of the state is very compelling.

“We can no longer overlook the menace of touts at mostly the entry points of our state, harassing businessmen and goods-laden trucks, and scaring investors thereby discouraging investments.

“As opposed to building a livable state, these touts negatively brand the state through their nefarious activities. Curtailing and totally eliminating their atrocious acts is a key performance measurement indicator of your stewardship.

“In the past few months, the state government has taken clear, intentional and commendable steps to facilitate the upgrading and modernization of iconic markets which led to the dislocation of many traders,” he stated.