From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Hope for the completion of Enugu International Trade fair complex, in Enugu has been reassured once again.
A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), said the ministry is working on a plan to get the cost of executing the non available infrastructures at the permanent site included in the 2021 budget.
The Permanent Secretary of Federal ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Nasiru Dan Gwarzo, represented by a director in the ministry, Alhaji D.H. Muhammed made the disclosure at the end of a recent three day working visit to Enugu for an on the spot assessment of facilities at Enugu International trade fair complex site, by a delegation from the ministry.
The delegation expressed dismay that only the perimeter fencing of the site and some lock up stalls in the front if the complex are the only permanent structures that has been put in place at the complex.
Muhammed said he is very much aware that ministry through the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasiru Dan Gwarzo, is working out modalities for the cost of completing Enugu International trade fair complex, to be part of the ministries budget proposal for year 2021 budget.
Speaking earlier, the President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Sir Rob Anwatu, lamented that the request by ECCIMA for the construction of Enugu International Trade fair complex an international standard, just as Lagos, Kaduna and Kano of recent has been elusive since the past 30 years.
He disclosed that ECCIMA had pleaded with Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment on the issue of Enugu International Trade Fair, to be considered in 2021 budget.
Anwatu stated, “The budget should cover the cost of building 1000 square meter pavilion, 1000 square meter Administrative building and 1.500 square meter exhibition hall”.
“Once these structures are put in place, further discussion on the issue of Public Private Partnership in the development of the complex would be more vibrant and acceptable by Investor”.
Similarly, the CEO of COPEN Group, Surveyor Ugo Chime and Managing Director, Juhel Nig. Ltd, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, also made a passionate appeal for the standardization of Enugu International Complex site, when the delegation paid a courtesy visit to their establishment.
The traditional ruler of Nike in Enugu East Council area, Igwe Alfred Nnaji charged that he will task himself to visit the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and other relevant authorities over the plight of Enugu International Trade fair complex, if the neglect continues.
Igwe Nnaji sounded the warning when the delegation paid him a courtesy visit, in his palace.
