By Alumona Ukwueze

NSUKKA —Stakeholders and prominent leaders from the public and private sectors gathered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka for the Nsukka Economic Development and Investment Forum (NEDIF), with a unified call to reposition the Nsukka Economic Zone (NEZ) as a key driver of Enugu State’s $30 billion GDP target by 2031.

The Forum, themed “Rethinking Nsukka Economic Development Strategies,” was convened by the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) in partnership with the Nsukka Professionals Association, Lagos.

In his address, the President of NSCCIMA, Barr Sam Otoboeze, appreciated  Governor Peter Mbah’s economic development agenda for Enugu state and pledged the support and collaboration of NSCCIMA with the Government to facilitate the economic development of Nsukka cultural zone.

 He observed that Nsukka Economic Zone , NEZ, consisting of Enugu North Senatorial District and Isi-Uzo LGA is critical to the attainment of the $30 billion Enugu State GDP target, and that the Forum can mobilise all key stakeholders, including the governments at all levels and the private sector to raise at least 60% of the state’s GDP target from the zone.

He further emphasized that the zone’s competitive and comparative advantages, especially with regards to productivity, innovation and connectivity are grossly under-utilized. He equally advocated for the launching of an Nsukka Investment Club to drive economic rejuvenation of Nsukka cultural zone.

In his keynote, Prof. Nnaemeka Ngwu, asserted that NEZ alone could surpass the state’s $30 billion GDP goal, citing the economic potential of the University of Nigeria and proposing the establishment of five new universities in the zone. He also advocated for large-scale economic tree planting and massive investment in education to create a daily spending power of ₦1 billion in the zone.

A former Economic Advisor to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof.  Osita Ogbu emphasized the need for a mindset shift to unlock development.

Governor Mbah, through his representative, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, citing achievements in infrastructure, water provision, and smart schools. He pledged to collaborate with NSCCIMA to accelerate development in the zone.

The Forum identified key challenges including the absence of an integrated development plan, inadequate infrastructure, high insecurity, and lack of data-driven strategy. Yet, it highlighted the zone’s vast opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism, and logistics — positioning NEZ as a potential agro-innovation and education corridor for the Southeast.

In order to realize the 60% contribution to the state’s GDP target, key resolutions were reached during the Forum.

They include the launch of a Nsukka Investment Club (NIC) to mobilize capital for local businesses, creation of a Joint Investment Facilitation Desk between NSCCIMA and the state government, advocacy for planting at least 10 million economic trees in the zone, and establishment of a permanent Trade Fair Complex and a Commodity Exchange Market.

Other resolutions reached include revitalization of moribund agricultural projects, engagement of local governments in economic development projects, and mobilization for events such as Nsukka TEDx and a year-end tourism initiative, “Detty December.”

The Founder of Maduka University, Ekwegbe, Dr. Maduka Onyishi assured of  launching two new businesses in the zone, while other participants pledged support for investment, monitoring, and policy implementation.

The Forum resolved to create a roadmap and monitoring committee to track progress and sustain momentum.

In a closing statement, NSCCIMA expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, noting that the forum marks the dawn of a new era of strategic partnership and inclusive development for the Nsukka region.

It attracted key figures including the Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah (represented by Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel Urama), keynote speaker Prof. Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu of Lagos Business School, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Dr. Sam Maduka Onyishi, religious leaders, and the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu (Ogadagidi).