President Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Chief Obegolu Wants Idu Industrial Hub Revitalized
By Juliet Vincent
The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, has called on government agencies and stakeholders to prioritize the revitalisation of the Federal Capital Territory’s industrial sector, particularly the Idu Industrial Hub.
He made this appeal during the Chamber’s end-of-year media parley with reporters and editors covering the activities of the Chamber.
Chief Obegolu emphasised the vital role the media plays in shaping public opinion, advocating for positive change, and fostering dialogue on economic and policy reforms.
He expressed gratitude to the media for their consistent and balanced coverage of the Chamber’s activities and their contributions to advancing the aspirations of Nigeria’s business community.
“The media has been instrumental in highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of the industrial and commercial sectors. Your unwavering support has amplified the voices of stakeholders and driven economic dialogue. On behalf of the ACCI, I extend our heartfelt appreciation for your invaluable contributions,” Chief Obegolu stated.
Reflecting on the state of the Idu Industrial Hub, the ACCI President outlined key challenges, including poor infrastructure, unreliable power supply, and inadequate security.
He noted that despite its potential as a beacon of economic growth and job creation, the hub remains underutilized due to systemic neglect.
Chief Obegolu highlighted the recent passage of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill by the Senate as a unique opportunity to address these issues.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the FCTA, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to prioritize industrial development in their budget implementation.
The ACCI President recommended the following actions to revitalize the Idu Industrial Hub: Road Rehabilitation: Repair and expansion of roads to enhance logistics and reduce operational costs, Stable Power Supply: Deployment of alternative energy solutions for uninterrupted electricity, Enhanced Security: Strengthening security measures to restore investor confidence, Streamlined Taxation: Simplification of tax processes to reduce financial burdens on businesses, Youth Engagement: Programs to train and engage young people in industrial skills development.
Chief Obegolu who is also the leader of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in FCT and environs also underscored the critical role of the media in advocacy and accountability.
“By spotlighting these pressing issues, the media can catalyse action from policymakers and stakeholders,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ACCI President reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to advocating for policies that enhance the ease of doing business and foster a thriving industrial ecosystem.
He called for continued collaboration between the media, government, and private sector stakeholders to transform neglected zones into vibrant economic activity Centres.
He wished all attendees a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, reiterating the Chamber’s readiness to work with all stakeholders in building a Nigeria where businesses flourish and opportunities abound.
