By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has officially announced the completion of the long-anticipated Anambra State Railway Master Plan — a major infrastructural and economic leap aimed at revolutionizing transportation and industrialization in the state and the southeastern region at large.
Governor Soludo made this known on Friday at the International Convention Center, Awka, during a high-level roundtable with business owners and investors, convened to discuss the Anambra State Business Enabling Reforms. The event, organized by the Anambra Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Council, drew together industrialists, captains of industries, government officials, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders in the state’s economic space.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, described the event as a strategic convergence to strengthen public-private synergy in enhancing the business climate of the state. He praised Governor Soludo’s consistent drive towards infrastructural expansion, digital transformation, and policy reforms, which, he attested, have created a more attractive and secure environment for investors.
While noting that this aligns with the Soludo Administration’s vision of making Anambra a destination lounge instead of a departure land, Commissioner Udechukwu, called on the business owners and potential investors to take maximum advantage of the state’s transformed business environment and policy reforms to drive their dreams.
Also speaking, the representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Chizoo Nwanu, commended the government’s massive infrastructural strides and the successful completion of business reforms. He, however, called on the Governor to address the activities of certain unauthorized revenue collectors, which he described as deterrents to business growth. He suggested the creation of a dedicated complaint-resolution platform for addressing investor grievances.
On his own part, the President of the Association of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Parm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama, expressed admiration for the Governor’s coordinated approach to multi-sectoral development, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, and overall industrial advancement. He proposed the establishment of a functional trade fair ground and facilitation of international trade missions to position Anambra for global competitiveness.
In his goodwill message, prominent industrialist and traditional ruler of Omor His Royal Majesty Igwe Chidubem Oranu, lauded the Governor for his achievements, particularly his ability to deliver major projects without borrowing. He expressed concern over the proliferation of security checkpoints around Onitsha Head Bridge, which, he said, creates unfavourable impression sends a negative message to potential investors and others entering the state through Asaba. He also appealed to the Governor to construct a vital and very strategic 7-kilometer road linking Ayamelum communities to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, stressing its potential to drive financial inclusion, industrialization, and economic growth in the area, including attracting presence of commercial banks.
In her presentation, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, who gave an overview of business enabling environment explained that Business Enabling Reforms refer to a broad range of strategic policy changes and institutional innovations by governments to reduce entry barriers, streamline processes, and promote sustainability for businesses. According to her, such reforms typically focus on ten critical areas: starting a business, construction permits, electricity, property registration, credit access, investor protection, tax payments, cross-border trade, contract enforcement, and insolvency resolution, as well as employment-related policies.
While noting that the Anambra Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Council, was set up in 2022 and chaired by the Governor (with MD of ANSIPPA representing him), Commissioner Nnake also reeled out the ten current EoDB priorities to include improving planning and reform accountability, enhancing budget transparency, streamlining land processes, building an effective PPP framework, improving the investment promotion environment, increasing transparency of fees and procedures, boosting security, simplifying tax regimes, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring timely resolution of commercial disputes.
In her show of the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous dialogue with investors, the Commissioner also provided stakeholders with official contact details for the Council (which can be found at www.anambrastate.gov.ng/ease-of-doing-business), further urging businesses to utilize the established communication channels for feedback and complaints.
In his keynote address, Governor Soludo reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to making Anambra the industrial and economic hub of Nigeria. According to him, the recently completed Anambra Railway Master Plan, developed by CPCS of Canada, is a game-changing project that will stimulate growth, reduce transport costs, and integrate the state’s economy with national and regional corridors.
“We are working out the financing modalities now. This railway will be a game changer and will transform Anambra forever. The best time to have done it was years ago. The second best time is now — and we are taking that chance,” he declared.
He further revealed that his administration has acquired over 5,000 hectares of land around Ogborji, Aguluezechukwu and neighbouring areas for industrial development. The land acquisition process, he added, has been simplified and digitized, with transparent terms and conditions clearly stated, which will be made know to interested investors anytime soon.
While noting his intention to make Anambra a pleasurable place to enter, to live, and to invest, he said his administration has put and is still putting infrastructure in place and creating a climate that not only attracts but retains investors; even as called on the residents to desist from attitudes capable of sabotaging these good intentions and developmental efforts.
Reacting to concerns shared by the participants, Governor Soludo announced that a new law will soon be enacted to prohibit unlawful financial demands and harassments by youths and community leaders on individuals who purchase land in their community. This, he explained, would permanently resolve the longstanding issues of extortion, restiveness, insecurity and other such things capable of discouraging investors.
Addressing and clarifying the issues of high electricity tariffs, Soludo said the state must do away with estimated billing, and has seriously been making efforts towards that. He also recounted some of the significant strides the state has recorded so far in the electricity sector, including the recent enactment of the Anambra State Electricity Law and the approval for the creation of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which have set strong legal and institutional foundations for the Anambra State Electricity Market, where the state will be able to independently generate and distribute its own electricity.
“We are working hard to eliminate estimated billing in Anambra. With our own regulatory body and legislative backing, we can ensure more reliable, affordable, and accountable power delivery to support our industries and businesses,” he said.
Emphasizing the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in driving progress, Soludo called on the business community to become crusaders of development, stressing that the success of the administration’s vision depends largely on their active participation and support.
“Anambra is an A state. We can achieve anything we set our minds on, looking at our worth and who we are. But we must invest not just with our money, but with our mindset and integrity. You all are critical stakeholders and partners in this vision and journey of progress. Thank you all for coming. May Anambra continue to win,” he concluded.
The roundtable also featured a robust interactive session between the Governor and the participants, during which business owners voiced their challenges and proposed practical solutions. The Governor provided real-time responses, made policy clarifications, and assured participants of his government’s continued willingness to partner with them in the journey towards a prosperous and livable Anambra.
Also present at the event were members of the Anambra Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Council, including the Attorney General of State and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Ifejeme; Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka; Ag. MD/CEO of ANSIPPA, Dr. Ejike Osisioma; MD/CEO Anambra ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA); State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor; Commissioner for Land. Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, among others.
