In a bid to promote a thriving Industrial Sector and drive overall economic growth of Abia State,the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem has undertaken a crucial visit to assess both functional and moribund industries in Aba.
The Industries visited by Chief Inem, in company of the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, include the Geo-Metrics Power Plant/ Aba Power Distribution Firm, Akachi Industries Ltd Abayi, as well as the moribund Otawa Foods Ltd, Osisioma LGA Aba.
L -R: Prof Barth Nnaji, Chairman Geometrics Power Ltd, Commissioner for Power & Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, S.A to the Governor on Trade Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem and Mrs Agatha Nnaji
Speaking at the fully functional Akachi Industries Ltd with an estimated population of about 580 staff, the governor’s aide underscored the present administration’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s economy through robust industrial growth.
Chief Inem reaffirmed Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to removing obstacles hindering the growth of new industries and supporting existing ones to operate at their full potential.
The team with top management of the Akachi Industries Ltd
He stressed that beyond contributing to the GDP, the revitalization of industries in the state will significantly boost the state’s economy, leading to enhanced security, job creation and improved living standards for the citizens adding that it is in tandem with Governor Otti’s “New Abia Project”.
“The purpose of our visit to these factories is to understand their challenges intimately. This will enable the government to pinpoint areas where support is needed and identify opportunities for collaboration. We want to facilitate increased production, job creation, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the state’s economy, making it easier for these factories to meet their tax obligations.
The team at the moribund Otawa Foods Ltd Abayi Aba
“It is not sufficient to merely issue tax bills from our offices. We must ensure that these industries are operating at optimal capacity. We recognize that one of the significant challenges faced by these factories is a reliable power supply. To address this, we have engaged with Geometric Power to explore their policies and initiatives aimed at providing adequate and affordable power to our people.
“The government is committed to ensuring that facilities have access to power at a reasonable and economical rate”, Chief Inem stated.
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Mr Ikechukwu Monday commended the resilience of the management of the Company and business owners who have continued to operate despite rising production costs.
Mr Ikechukwu Monday noted that it is the ultimate vision of Governor Alex Otti’s government to promoting ease of doing business in the state with enhanced power supply, devoid of extortion and double taxation, adding that government is actively engaging with Geometrics Power and Aba Power Electricity on modalities to providing Abia consumers with reliable and affordable electricity.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, the S.A to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry Chief Nwaka Inem and top management of Geometrics Power Ltd
Responding after conducting the team round facilities at the industry, the Director, Akachi Industries Ltd, Prince Obasi Uba urged the government to address electricity issues, eliminate double taxation, and provide subsidized tax relief to aid in sourcing raw materials.
Prince Obasi, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for Abia and Imo States, expressed appreciation for Governor Otti’s initiative in implementing the Single Treasury Account (TSA) to eradicate tax collection-related challenges and reduce the influence of touts.
