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Nnewi, the industrial nerve centre of Anambra State, is positioned for economic renaissance as plans advance for the establishment of a Nigeria Automotive Industrial Park and the construction of critical gas pipeline infrastructure.
This vision was unveiled during a high-profile economic summit held on Saturday, July 12 in Otolo Nnewi. The summit, organised by the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, carried the theme “Repositioning Nnewi for Sustainable Economic Development.” The event attracted key figures from Nigeria’s industrial landscape, including business leaders, policymakers, and industry veterans.
Governor Charles Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Hon. Christian Udechukwu, lent strong support to the initiative, highlighting the state government’s commitment to revitalizing industrial activity in Nnewi through strategic partnerships and infrastructural investments.
In her keynote remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ukachukwu, who chaired the summit, lauded the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce and the Anambra State Ministry of Industry for initiating a dialogue aimed at reimagining Nnewi’s economic future. She described the collaboration as “a clear demonstration of the kind of public-private synergy required for sustainable progress.”
“Nnewi, as we all know, is a land of industrious men and women, renowned across Nigeria and beyond as a hub of innovation, manufacturing, and enterprise,” she said.
“Yet, as the global economy evolves and challenges deepen—from climate change to digital transformation—we must ask ourselves: how do we move from where we are to where we ought to be?”
Dr. Ukachukwu stressed that the summit offered a moment for critical reflection, urging stakeholders to “evaluate the existing economic structures, identify the gaps, and reimagine a future that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”
Acknowledging that Nnewi has “lost ground in business,” she expressed confidence that the summit could mark a turning point for the city’s economic revitalization.
“Today’s conversations will not end in words. They must translate into action—measurable and impactful,” she declared.
“As Chairperson, I encourage frank dialogue, bold ideas, and strategic thinking. Let us listen not just to speak, but to understand and to solve. Let us tap into the strength of Nnewi’s legacy, while embracing the demands of a rapidly changing world.
“Together, we can reposition Nnewi, not only as a center of commerce and industry in Anambra State, but as a shining example of what is possible when people, policy, and purpose align.”
One of the summit’s resource persons, Engr. Ndubisi Okoli, called for accelerated implementation of the proposed Nigeria Automotive Industrial Park, earmarked for Akwaihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area. He also advocated for the extension of gas pipelines from Agbor in Delta State through Onitsha and Nnewi to Awka, noting that reliable power supply was fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the region’s industrial base.
According to him, “The issue of power supply in Anambra and Nnewi industrial cluster in particular can only be solved when gas pipelines are run from Agbor in Delta State through Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.”
In line with the summit’s theme, stakeholders proposed an ambitious youth empowerment strategy that will see existing industries mentor and train young people to develop their own productive ventures.
Governor Soludo, through his representative, reiterated that the government was already deploying solutions to ease the power challenges faced by industries in Nnewi.
“There are things government can do and those individuals and organizations can do as well. We have seen certain things we can do to help these things discussed materialize,” the Commissioner said.
“To get it right, we apply public-private-community partnership. That’s the way to go for the government.
“Government welcomes gas pipelines innovation from Delta State, but we have gas in Anambra which we can equally explore,” he added.
The summit concluded with a strong call for unified action to reposition Nnewi as a beacon of industrial excellence and a model for inclusive economic transformation in Nigeria’s Southeast.
