By Kenechukwu Ofomah, Awka
The President of the Association of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Pharmacist Uchenna Apakama, has faulted the Federal Government over what he described as inadequate infrastructure and economic support for business operations in Anambra State and the South-East.
According to him, the region has not received the critical investments needed to unlock its business potential.
Apakama, who is also a National Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), spoke in Awka on the sidelines of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Town Hall Meeting and Technical Reform Workshop.
He assessed the impact of the business-enabling initiative from three perspectives, the federal government, the Anambra State Government, and communication of reforms to stakeholders.
According to him, while PEBEC’s efforts are commendable, the Federal Government must complement state-level reforms with critical infrastructure investments.
“At the macro level, can you truly do business without access to seaports? The Federal Government recently announced five new seaports, yet none is located in the South-East. There are railway projects across the country, but the South-East is not included. Major highways like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos-Ibadan-Sokoto Highway do not directly benefit our region,” he said.
He argued that it was insufficient for the Federal Government to be dedicating time and resources to assessing states’ performance when the infrastructure required to drive economic growth remained absent.
“In terms of national integration and economic connectivity, I do not believe the Federal Government has done enough for Anambra State and the South-East generally. If we are to score the Federal Government based on what it has done for businesses here, it will score zero,” Apakama stated.
He cited the non-functional Onitsha River Port as an example of the neglect, lamenting that despite the presence of the River Niger, maritime trade activities remained largely dormant.
The ACCIMA president, however, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating an enabling environment for businesses through extensive road construction and the development of the state’s industrial city.
He described the proposed mix-use industrial city project as a “masterstroke,” saying it would provide a common ecosystem for businesses to thrive and contribute more significantly to the state’s economy.
“Governor Soludo has done a lot. The road infrastructure and the industrial city are important business development initiatives that will stimulate growth and investment,” he said.
Apakama also identified poor communication of reforms and opportunities as a major challenge, stressing that many traders and small business owners, who form the backbone of Anambra’s economy, were unaware of government programmes designed to support them.
He questioned whether leaders of major markets such as Eke Awka, Ogbunike, Nnewi and Onitsha Main Market were adequately informed about initiatives being implemented through PEBEC and the Anambra State Business Enabling Environment Council (ASBEC).
“Government must make a deliberate and sustained effort to educate traders and business owners about these reforms. If people do not know about tax structures or business opportunities, they cannot benefit from them,” he said.
According to him, increased awareness and engagement with market leaders and the organised private sector could significantly transform the state’s economy.
Apakama also downplayed claims that the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) signified sufficient federal support for the region, noting that the commission was yet to receive the level of funding and institutional backing needed to function optimally.
He said although the commission’s management, led by Executive Director Mark Okoye, was performing creditably, the SEDC lacked the capacity to undertake major infrastructure projects such as railways and highways, which remain the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“The SEDC can only coordinate development, mobilise stakeholders and attract funds. The mega projects can only come through the Federal Government,” he said.
He therefore called for stronger federal support and improved communication of reforms to ensure that businesses and traders in Anambra State fully benefit from ongoing economic initiatives.
