Enugu, Aug. 22, 2025 (NAN) The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has inaugurated the 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (9CCIMA) in Enugu State.
The National President of NACCIMA, Mr Jani Ibrahim, inaugurated the new chamber and its founding President, Chief Leonard Ugwu, on Friday in 9th Mile in Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The NACCIMA tasked the new chamber to ensure that all business and commercial concerns were represented in the association.
Ibrahim urged the chamber leadership to build a robust and all inclusive chamber, which would lead to rapid growth and development of the 9th Mile area, Enugu State and the entire country.
Represented by Chief Humphrey Ngonadi, the President of South-East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA), the national president noted that the 9th mile area was already endowed with natural resources, industrial parks and striving companies.
“I foresee a rapid growth of the chamber. However, the chamber and its council must build a robust team spirit that will accommodate all for the aspirations of establishing this chamber to be met.
“I congratulate you on this milestone and as the parent body, NACCIMA, will continue to support your growth as you seek to expand commerce, industry, mines and agriculture ventures,” he said.
Speaking, Gov. Peter Mbah noted that 9CCIMA was geographically positioned as the gateway to the South-East and Enugu State, adding that with the track record of the council members, the area was poised for rapid business growth.
Mbah, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr Sam Nwobodo, said that the state had opened two business parks and industrial processing zones in the area before now.
“Niger gas has been revitalised, the state is developing world class motor spare part markets, land mapping and building of massive roads among others to ensure 9th Mile area becomes a major commercial/business hub,” he said.
He said that the state would not achieve its target of a $30 billion GDP economy without building a conducive business environment that encouraged active private sector investment and economic participation.
“The government congratulates 9CCIMA and its council members and we look forward to working with you to uplift the state’s economy, the people’s earnings and living standard,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Mr Uche Mba, said that the chamber would continue to support the growth of the new chamber.
“Enugu Chamber of Commerce always aligns with its broader vision of promoting every endeavour meant to improve the business environment in Enugu State and 9CCIMA is a great partner to achieve that,”.
Mbah congratulated 9CCIMA for coming on board and the founding president, Chief Ugwu, an astute businessman, and his council members.
A real estate business magnate, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, commended Gov. Mbah for expanding Enugu State economy, revalitalising abandoned enterprises and aggressively setting the state on path of rapid economic growth.
Aniagolu, who is the keynote speaker at the event, said that 9CCIMA was part of the expansion and bringing more people and associations into the scheme to expand commercial/business concerns in the state.
“I will advise 9CCIMA to concentrate on building partnerships within and outside the country and ensure ease of doing business for any entrepreneur willing to invest in the area and be part of 9CCIMA success,” she said.
In his acceptance address, Ugwu, appreciated President Bola Tinubu; Gov. Mbah; Minister of Industry, Trade and investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; NACCIMA President; SECCIMA and ECCIMA for giving the new chamber all the needed support.
Ugwu said that the 9th Mile area is naturally endowed with best quality of potable water, coal and clay deposits as well as clement weather for poultry and animal husbandry business and processing.
“We have great tourism potential and sites to invest in; cashew plantation and other agricultural produce do well in our area; and two free trade zones with two dry ports for export concerns,” he said.
He said that within a few months, the chamber would increase its visibility through organising trade/business workshops, export seminars and training of youths and women in the area on how to start and run successful businesses.
Highlights of the event were inaugurating the nine-member council and presentation of awards to some personalities, who were instrumental to the establishment of the new chamber. (NAN)
