NCCIMA: Nnewi now famous for industries than trading

President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Mr. Humphrey Ngonadi, has said that Nnewi in Anambra State is now known for industries than trading. Speaking with newsmen in preparation for the Nnewi Economic Summit and Exhibition, where entrepreneurs in the zone would come to showcase their products and upcoming ones taught the ropes, he said that before now Nnewi was known for trading in goods and products. He said: “Nnewi is known for industries more than trading now. We want more people to get into manufacturing; we want more people to get into agriculture. We want more people to get into other types of businesses where they can employ other people. “In industries, you will need a lot of people to join you and by that you are creating employment. Our young men and women will no longer be roaming the streets looking for non-existent jobs.

Agriculture too, you still need people to join you.” He, however, lamented that the industries were facing a lot of challenges today because of the economic situation in the country, especially as almost all the industries have one or two things they import to make up the things they source locally for their production. “The industries are facing a lot of challenges in the country, but I believe that government will not look over the challenges facing industrialists; government will definitely do something before all the industries are closed down, so, definitely the challenges facing the industries, such as power, would be overcome,” he added. Ngonadi said that industries, especially those in the Southeast and Nnewi in particular ran 100 per cent on generator, adding that one day the problem would be resolved. “I want to encourage those who want to come to invest in Nnewi or the Southeast not minding the problem of power today because it will be solved one day.

Again, all over the world, there is economic recess, it is not peculiar to Nigeria; I believe that it will come and go, things will definitely change, so I am encouraging people to have a little patience, to continue to believe in God, to continue moving forward and to continue joining in manufacturing, we will all make it,” he submitted. On the summit, he said that exhibitors have been invited within the country while some from overseas have been making telephone calls to find out how to participate. He also commended the state Governor, Willie Obiano, on security, which he said has been well managed. “In fact, Anambra State people can now sleep with their two eyes closed. So, apart from the economic situation in the country, businesses would have returned to normal in Anambra State.”