Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a private sector-driven economy, emphasizing the pivotal role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in driving growth, job creation, and economic development. He made this declaration during the opening of the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, held under the theme: “Developing Nigeria’s Industrial Sector, Small Scale Industry for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition.”
Represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Governor Mbah stated that Enugu is “open for business and investments,” highlighting recent reforms and policies designed to create an enabling environment for commerce, industry, and innovation to flourish.
The Enugu International Trade Fair serves as a major exhibition platform where companies showcase their products and services, engage in business networking, and promote trade partnerships at both national and global levels.
Dr. Mbah also urged the organizers of the fair to adopt measurable success indicators, particularly in terms of jobs created, business expansion, and foreign and local investments attracted. The administration’s focus, he emphasized, is on economic transformation through industrialization and private sector participation.
The trade fair continues to position Enugu as a rising investment hub in southeastern Nigeria, with growing appeal to entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and international investors alike.
The governor maintained that attraction of investments, economic and infrastructural development, education, health as well as the entire wellbeing of the people have remained the cardinal focus of his administration, assuring that his doors are open for genuine partnerships.
Earlier, the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA, Odega Jideonwo, acknowledged that the reality of the present economic challenges which has been worsened by volatility in the price of mono revenue foreign exchange earner oil, has made it necessary that Small and Medium Enterprise is supported to grow and become the backbone of the industrial sector.