Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged traders and investors in the state to move from importation to local manufacturing to create jobs, retain wealth and accelerate economic development.

Soludo made the call on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar organised by the Importers’ Association of Nigeria (IMAN) in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce in Awka.

The seminar had the theme, “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities”.

The governor said Anambra could no longer afford to remain predominantly a consumption-driven economy when its entrepreneurial population had the capacity to produce goods locally.

Soludo was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Nonso Ebonwu.

He challenged traders, particularly the younger generation, to leverage their experience in international commerce to establish industries and build productive enterprises in the state.

“Anambra must transition from a consumption-driven economy to a manufacturing powerhouse.

“We must guide our young people beyond the mechanics of importing goods from overseas and empower them to build industries and invest directly within the state,” he said.

Soludo said the state government was ready to partner with the private sector by providing a secure and investment-friendly environment for businesses to thrive.

He commended IMAN for bringing together government, security agencies, regulators and the business community to discuss ways of strengthening trade and unlocking new economic opportunities.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Mr Christian Udechukwu, said the administration was pursuing industrialisation as a major pathway to economic growth.

Udechukwu said the government was supporting “Made in Anambra” initiatives and leveraging strategic projects to attract investment and expand the productive capacity of the state.

He said the Federal Government-approved Economic Free Trade Zone within the ongoing aerotropolis project would provide additional opportunities for industrial and commercial development.

The Chairman of the occasion, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Dera Nnadi, said sustainable commerce required the combination of security, effective regulation and adequate infrastructure.

Nnadi urged stakeholders to work toward revitalising historic commercial centres such as Onitsha, describing them as critical to the region’s economic growth.

The National Patron and host of the event, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor, called for the redirection of traditional enterprise models, including the Igba-Boi apprenticeship system, toward legitimate investments and local wealth creation.

Ekweozor said strengthening local investment would help retain capital within the state and create more opportunities for younger entrepreneurs.

The lead seminar paper presenter, Dr Obiora Madu, spoke on “Building Secure, Smart and Competitive Supply Chains: Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities and Trade Competitiveness under AfCFTA”.

AfCFTA is the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Madu emphasised the importance of efficient and secure supply chains in enabling Nigerian businesses to compete effectively within AfCFTA.

The event had in attendance representatives of IMAN; Nigeria Police Force; Nigeria Customs Service; Nigerian Navy; Nigeria Ports Authority and Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency.

Others in attendance are Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.