Gbenga Ilemobayo
Organised businesses in Enugu State, led by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, South-East Geographical Zone, have paid a courtesy visit to governor Peter Mbah as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The President, NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, expressed appreciation to the governor for hosting the delegation and commended his transformative infrastructure drive and far-reaching economic reforms, which he noted have had a positive ripple effect on businesses operating in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the organised businesses, the Chairman, NECA South-East Geographical Zone, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, lauded Mbah’s visionary leadership, describing his administration as a model of purposeful governance and economic revitalisation.
He applauded the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, urban renewal, security architecture, and the revitalisation of key public assets, including the International Conference Centre, the Presidential Hotel, and the recent launch of Enugu Air.
Chime also commended the governor’s strategic interventions in restoring normal economic activities through measures addressing the disruptive Monday sit-at-home as well as the establishment of the Distress Response Team and deployment of modern surveillance infrastructure aimed at strengthening security and boosting investor confidence across the state.
While reaffirming organised businesses’ support for the administration’s enterprise-driven policies, the delegation appealed for the consistent implementation of harmonised taxes and levies, improved access to land and Certificates of Occupancy, enhanced participation in the power sector, and stronger support for SMEs through affordable financing and technical assistance.
The delegation also proposed a quarterly public–private sector engagement platform to address emerging business challenges and deepen economic collaboration in the state.
In his response, the governor emphasized the critical importance of public-private sector engagement in driving sustainable growth and development, noting that the organised private sector remained central to achieving the administration’s growth projections anchored on broad economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment.
He highlighted ongoing projects, including the Enugu Smart City, tourism development initiatives such as the Awhum Waterfall, Ngwo Pine Forest, and the Nsude Pyramid, and the state water project.
Mbah announced the planned 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant, with installation expected to commence in July and completion projected within 18 months.
According to him, the project will significantly address electricity supply challenges facing businesses in the state upon completion.
The governor reiterated his ‘Enugu First’ procurement policy and urged businesses to engage relevant government agencies to benefit from ongoing state projects.
On MSME development, Mbah disclosed that the state had secured funding for small businesses at single-digit interest rates, administered through the Enugu SME Centre.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the initiative to expand and strengthen their businesses.
The governor also approved the establishment of a Quarterly Business Forum for organised private-sector stakeholders, where emerging challenges in the business environment would be jointly identified and addressed.
Demonstrating further commitment to local enterprise development, he also directed that HAMPOC-YTL Limited, a company that produces prepaid electricity and water meters in the state, be considered for immediate contract award during the meeting.
