Epileptic power, insecurity crippling industrial hubs — ACCI

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has lamented the poor electricity supply, insecurity and poor infrastructure in many industrial hubs in FCT, which has seen many businesses close operations especially in Idu industrial hub, Abuja

The ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, said this at a media parley in Abuja.

Obegolu said recent improvements in power supply have been noticeable in some areas, but it is essential that similar attention is given to the Idu industrial area and other key business districts in Abuja.

“The Idu industrial hub particularly requires urgent attention and revitalization, especially in terms of provision of security, power and adequate road infrastructure as it is imperative to confront the pressing challenges that hinder the full realisation of our industrial potential,” he said.

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 To unlock the full potential of the hub, the ACCI recommended an immediate repair and expansion of the primary and connecting roads to the Idu Yard industrial hub to improve logistics and reduce operational costs for businesses.

 “The deployment of alternative energy sources to ensure uninterrupted electricity, which, he said, is crucial for industrial productivity.

“Also, strengthening security measures within and around industrial hubs to restore investor confidence, introducing reforms to simplify taxation for businesses, thereby reducing their financial burdens and encouraging investment and initiatives to attract and train young people in industrial skills, creating a workforce that can sustain and grow these sectors,” he further explained.

In the same vein, the ACCI president while speaking to journalists at the end of the chamber’s annual general meeting announced that it will soon establish a university to bridge the skills gap in the country.

According to Obegolu, the university will be known as the ACCI Continental University, which will provide both full-time and online education.

He added that the university will operate as “A truly pan-African university offering training in five major languages including French, English, Arabic, Portuguese and Swahili.”