Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called on manufacturers to seize the abundant opportunities in the South East, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment.

This comes as the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Otunba Francis Meshioye, commends the state’s strides in improving ease of doing business.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of MAN, South East, in Eugu on Friday with the theme “South East: A World of Manufacturing Opportunities,” Mbah highlighted the favorable conditions for investment in the region.

The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, pointed out various factors that make the South East an attractive manufacturing hub, including high population density, good per capita income, strategic market hubs, and access to various zones in Nigeria and Central Africa.

He expressed the state’s commitment to growing the economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, with a particular emphasis on private sector investment.

The governor outlined strategic plans such as developing Special Agro Processing Zones, boosting large-scale farming, and improving logistics through infrastructure development.

“We are boosting the ease of logistics within the State by developing, in collaboration with private sector investors, world-class truck terminals, a dry port, an international cargo airport, and significantly improved road networks,” the governor stated.

He also emphasized the state’s commitment to security, noting the establishment of the Distress Response Squad and the installation of a CCTV camera network for 24-hour surveillance.

Mbah reassured manufacturers of the state’s openness for business, urging them not to hesitate in expanding their operations within Enugu and the broader South East.

In response to the governor’s remarks, Meshioye, commended the Enugu State Government’s efforts in signing the Enugu State Electricity Law into effect.

He recognized the positive impact on the regulatory power for establishing an Enugu State Electricity Market.

“We commend the effort of the government as these initiatives would create a conducive environment for business in the state,” Meshioye said.

The AGM witnessed a significant turnout of South East captains of industry, notable Nigerian industrialists, and dignitaries, including the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.