PHIL OKOSOE, Onitsha
The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), has lauded the new Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Nonso Ebonwu, on his appointment by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
In a press release by the President of ONICCIMA, Chief Chinedu Nwonu, he said, “This appointment is a clear recognition of Mr. Ebonwu’s competence, passion for public service and deep understanding of the demands and economic dynamics of a critical subnational as Anambra State.
“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.
“ONICCIMA looks forward to a robust and constructive partnership with the Honourable 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 His Excellency, Governor Charles 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.
“In this spirit of partnership, we respectfully draw the attention of the Honourable Commissioner to the following critical priority areas that require urgent and strategic intervention to accelerate economic growth, enhance competitiveness and significantly ease the operational burden of most businesses.
ONICCIMA stated that the provision of consistent and affordable electricity is fundamental to the survival, growth and competitiveness of industries and small businesses, particularly within Onitsha and its environ.
It stressed the need for 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, which deserve urgent attention.
The President disclosed further that strengthening the security architecture to safeguard lives, property and investments, especially in major markets which serve as the economic heartbeat of the state, is compelling.
He called for streamlining and harmonization of levies, elimination of multiple taxation to create a more conducive operating environment for businesses, adding that it has been on the front burner for years.
He said that, “Collaborating with corporate and institutional financiers and implementation of targeted policies and programmes that improve access to cheap and well-structured finance for MSMEs is desirable.
“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.
“We hereby reiterate the urgent need for the dislodged traders and many others who litter the streets of Onitsha, causing nuisance and defacing its beauty, to be aided to resettle in new developing markets around Oze and Ogbunike axis.
“Road infrastructure is required as well as moral persuasion to address the traders’ welfare and relocation concerns. 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.
The chamber stressed the need for aggressive attraction of both local and foreign direct investments, enhancement of export readiness and improvement of access to seaport and efficient logistics networks.
“We are highly optimistic that under the stewardship of Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, the Ministry of Commerce will deliver landmark achievements that will fundamentally transform the business landscape of Anambra State and leave a lasting positive legacy.
“ONICCIMA remains fully available and committed to providing any necessary support in data, information or personnel that will contribute to the success of his tenure,” it assured.
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