Ahead of his determination to provide investment enabling environment, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has called on members of the Imo Chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to lure credible investors to the state.
Addressing the officials when they paid him courtesy call at Government House, Owerri, the Governor made it clear that “Better days await manufacturers in Imo State considering our commitment to creating an enabling environment for industrialists in the state.”
The Governor said he is aware of the challenges facing indigenous manufactures’ and assured that his administration is keen on the revival of industries in the state.
“I am not unaware of your challenges. We are committed to ensure that our state is industrialized and employment created for our youths”.
The Governor promised that he will visit the industrial layout along Onitsha road after which a Joint Technical Committee will be set up to come up with a blue print on how to resuscitate the industrial layout.
While warning that Government will not hesitate to revoke Certificates of occupancy (CofO) issued to unserious allotees, Governor Uzodinma advised the manufacturers to attract investors into the state for optimal development.
Responding, President of MAN, Engr. Chuma Eluma thanked Governor Uzodimma for thinking outside the box in his quest to make the state a manufacturing hub in the South East.
Eluma disclosed that the high cost of production in the state is associated with the deplorable state of roads at the industrial layout, inadequate power supply and constant extortion from security personnel.
MAN boss therefore called for the intervention of the State Government to arrest some of these problems and promised that they will do their best to improve the manufacturing sector in the state for the betterment of Imo people.