Nahimat Adekoga
The Federal Government on Thursday expressed its strong determination to support for local industries in the country, in order to create more jobs for unemployed youths.
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo gave the assurance during his tour of industries located at Harbour Industrial Layout, Ogbaru, near Onitsha in Anambra.
Osinbajo states that the level of manufacturing companies and quality of products gives hope that Nigeria will soon get out of recession.
He said business acumen and entrepreneurship in Anambra is a confirmation of the state being hotbed of industries in Nigeria.
According to him, the government would give necessary assistance to the state in order to create jobs for unemployed youths.
Also, the Chairman, Habour Industrial Layout Association Paul Okonkwor said manufacturers in the area were faced with challenges which included flooding, power supply and foreign exchange.
Okonkwor said that manufacturers wanted a review of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) list of items excluded from foreign exchange as well as designation of the habour as an export processing zone.
“The making of Onitsha River Port a final destination will reduce logistic challenges faced by the industries. The construction of a second Niger bridge is highly appreciated by our members,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Director, Enzor West Africa Ltd., Ifeanyi Uzor, said there is need for better cooperation between government and manufacturers in order to expand non-oil production activities.
Uzor whose factory produces irrigation and agricultural equipment, said the greatest constraints of manufacturers in the state was shortage of power supply.
It was gathered that the vice president, who also visited Nnewi, later held an interactive session with industrialists and other stakeholders in the areas
Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige accompanied the vice president during the tour.
