The Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) has raised the alarm over the underutilisation of the Nsukka zone’s economic potential, declaring it pivotal to achieving Enugu State’s ambitious $30 billion GDP target.
This call to action was made during a high-powered stakeholders’ forum, held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), under the banner of the Nsukka Economic Development and Investment Forum (NEDIF). Themed “Rethinking Nsukka Economic Development Strategies”, the forum drew participation from both public and private sector leaders and was convened by NSCCIMA in partnership with the Nsukka Professionals Association, Lagos.
A communique issued at the close of the forum, signed by NSCCIMA President, Barr. Sam Otoboeze, and Director-General, Uche Nnadi, outlined the economic roadmap envisioned for the Nsukka Economic Zone (NEZ), which comprises Enugu North Senatorial District and Isi-Uzo LGA.
Otoboeze stressed the zone’s significance to the state’s economic aspirations, stating:
“The Nsukka Economic Zone is critical to the attainment of the $30 billion Enugu State GDP target. This Forum can mobilise key stakeholders, from all levels of government to the private sector to generate at least 60% of that GDP from this zone.”
He added that the region’s competitive and comparative advantages in areas like innovation, productivity, and connectivity have remained largely untapped, a situation he described as unacceptable in light of the zone’s latent capacity.
In a rousing keynote address, Professor Nnaemeka Ngwu echoed that sentiment, asserting that the NEZ alone has the potential to exceed the state’s GDP target. He highlighted the strategic role of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and proposed bold measures including the establishment of five new universities in the region.
He also championed large-scale economic tree planting and expansive investment in education to stimulate daily spending of up to N1 billion within the zone.
Adding his voice, Professor Osita Ogbu, former Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, emphasised the need for a radical mindset shift as the first step towards unlocking Nsukka’s economic future.
In response, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel Urama, restated the administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He cited key achievements in infrastructure, water supply, and smart school rollouts, pledging full cooperation with NSCCIMA to fast-track progress in the zone.
Despite the optimism, the forum did not shy away from pointing out structural barriers hindering progress. These include the absence of a comprehensive development plan, poor infrastructure, insecurity, and a lack of data-driven policymaking.
Nevertheless, the forum spotlighted enormous opportunities lying dormant in agriculture, tourism, education, and logistics. It proposed positioning the NEZ as an agro-innovation and education corridor for the entire South East, with the potential to transform the zone into a vibrant economic hub.