NCCIMA President Vows to Restore Nnewi’s Economic Glory Through Integrity, Accountability

By Praise Chinecherem

The newly inaugurated President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Pastor Patricia Uchenna Chukwu, has pledged to lead the organisation with integrity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in a bid to restore Nnewi’s former economic glory.

Chukwu also promised to work closely with the leadership and members of the Chamber to address critical challenges confronting businesses in the industrial city, including access to finance, infrastructure deficits, taxation, regulatory processes, skills development, technology, market access and the changing demands of the global economy.

She made the commitment at the weekend in Nnewi, Anambra State, during her investiture as the 12th President of NCCIMA.

The ceremony was themed, “Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development.”

Chukwu expressed concern over what she described as the downward trajectory of Nnewi’s industrial sector, noting that several manufacturing companies had either relocated, become moribund or divested their investments to other parts of the country and the world.

She said repositioning the industrial city must go beyond a conference theme and become a collective responsibility for residents, business owners and stakeholders.

“I’m pained that many manufacturing companies have left Nnewi. Some have also gone moribund. The few that are left have had to grapple with insecurity and the rising cost of energy.

“A town that could hold its head and shoulders high can no longer compete favourably in the global business and economic community. It now limps and has become almost etiolated in its commercial activities.

“Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development is a responsibility for all business owners in Nnewi. It is also a responsibility for Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.”

The NCCIMA president further pledged to promote innovation and competitiveness while sustaining and expanding the recently launched Igbo Apprenticeship Programme, popularly known as Igba-Boyi, to create greater economic opportunities for the community.

She said her administration would strengthen the Chamber’s voice in employment generation and economic development while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs.

“We shall also place emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, encouraging young entrepreneurs, promoting women in business, facilitating access to relevant information and opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with government and financial institutions, development organisations, universities, research institutions and other chambers of commerce.”

She added that the administration would work to ensure that the Chamber remained responsive to the needs of its members and played a stronger role in shaping the business environment.

Weak Institutions, Policy Reversals Hindering Industrial Growth — Utomi

In his keynote address, founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, identified weak institutions, corruption and frequent policy reversals as major factors undermining industrial development in the Southeast.

Utomi also expressed concern over the lack of continuity and succession planning among some older entrepreneurs, particularly those who failed to adequately introduce their children to their businesses.

“Many old entrepreneurs seem to pass away without sustainability plans. Many worked hard but didn’t introduce their children to their ventures because they didn’t want them to suffer their fate.

“Unfortunately, many of these children travelled and returned home without continuing with their fathers’ businesses. How do we institutionalise business ventures with this kind of culture?” he asked.

The professor called for industrial policies capable of supporting private-sector initiatives, alongside stronger engagement between policymakers and business leaders.

Citing South Korea as an example, Utomi noted that the country, which was once poorer than Nigeria, had transformed its economy through sustained commitment to industrial development.

“We need passionate commitment from policymakers and entrepreneurs willing to change the world, which is possible,” he said.

Ezukwo Highlights Achievements, Urges Support for Successor

Earlier, the immediate past President of NCCIMA, Chief Sir Moses Ezukwo, described his two-year tenure as a period of service, learning, challenges, collaboration and meaningful progress.

He highlighted the establishment of the Board of Trustees, the hosting of the Nnewi Economic Summit, the Tax Reforms Programme initiative and the Igbo Apprenticeship Programme among the major achievements recorded during his tenure.

Ezukwo appreciated members of his executive, the Board, various committees and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation, urging them to extend the same support to the new administration.

“My greatest wish is that the incoming administration will build on the foundation we have laid, introduce new ideas, strengthen existing programmes and take the Chamber to even greater heights,” he said.

The ceremony attracted government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business executives and other stakeholders.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards and the unveiling of the NCCIMA architectural building.

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