NECA leads businesses to Mbah, advocates stronger public-private collaboration

Organised businesses in Enugu State, led by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) South-East Geopolitical Zone, paid a courtesy visit to Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.

In his remarks, the President of NECA, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, expressed appreciation to the governor for hosting the delegation and commended his transformative infrastructure drive and far-reaching economic reforms, which he said had positively impacted businesses operating in Enugu State.

Speaking on behalf of organised businesses, Chairman of the NECA South-East Geopolitical Zone, Dr Ugochukwu Chime, lauded Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership, describing his administration as a model of purposeful governance and economic revitalisation.

He particularly applauded the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, urban renewal, security architecture, and the revitalisation of key public assets, including the International Conference Centre, the Presidential Hotel, and the recent launch of Enugu Air.

Chime also commended the governor’s strategic interventions in restoring normal economic activity through measures addressing the disruptive Monday sit-at-home order, as well as the establishment of the Distress Response Team and deployment of modern surveillance infrastructure aimed at strengthening security and boosting investor confidence across the state.

While reaffirming organised businesses’ support for the administration’s enterprise-driven policies, the delegation appealed for the consistent implementation of harmonised taxes and levies, improved access to land and Certificates of Occupancy, enhanced participation in the power sector, and stronger support for SMEs through affordable financing and technical assistance.

They also proposed the establishment of a quarterly public-private sector engagement platform to address emerging business challenges and deepen economic collaboration in the state.

In his response, the governor emphasised the critical importance of public-private sector engagement in driving sustainable growth and development.

He noted that the organised private sector remains central to achieving the administration’s growth projections, which are anchored on broad economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment.

He highlighted ongoing projects, including the Enugu Smart City, tourism development initiatives such as Awhum Waterfall, Ngwo Pine Forest, and Nsude Pyramid, as well as the state water project.

Of particular significance, he announced the planned 660MW coal-fired power plant, with installation expected to commence in July 2026 and completion projected within 18 months.

According to him, the project will significantly address electricity supply challenges facing businesses in the state upon completion.

The governor reiterated his “Enugu First” procurement policy and urged businesses to engage relevant government agencies to benefit from ongoing state projects.

On MSME development, Governor Mbah disclosed that the state had secured funding for small businesses at single-digit interest rates, administered through the Enugu SME Centre.

He encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the initiative to expand and strengthen their businesses.

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The governor also approved the establishment of a Quarterly Business Forum for organised private-sector stakeholders, where emerging challenges in the business environment will be jointly identified and addressed.

Demonstrating further commitment to local enterprise development, he also directed during the meeting that HAMPOC-YTL Limited, a company that produces prepaid electricity and water meters in the state, be considered for immediate contract awards.