The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its dedication to working with the Enugu State Government on infrastructure, investment, and other initiatives that would spur growth and improve the lives of the people living there.

During this time, the president of the internationally recognized Engineering, Power, and Infrastructure company Skipper Seil Group, Jitender Sachdeva, praised Peter Mbah, Enugu State Governor, for the positive actions taken in the energy sector and pledged that his company would work with the state to support its infrastructure development.

The Director-General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, Lamin Barrow, stated that Nigeria was strategically important to the Development Bank’s programs during a meeting with the Governor on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Government House, Enugu.

The Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), which is estimated to be worth $18 million, is one of the programs whose phase one has been authorized, according to him.

In order to include the demands of the Enugu State Government, he noted, the African foremost development and financial bank were now implementing the second phase of operation.

Barrow went on, citing Agro-allied crops like cassava and maize, among other key staples where the state commands a competitive edge, as evidence that phase two of the program will enhance the state’s execution of the SAPZ initiative.

According to him, “the SAPZ is working with farmers to build value chains for these crops, enhancing the value of primary crops, lowering post-harvest losses, strengthening relationships with farmers who are stakeholders in the project, providing financial support and training, and most importantly, being driven by anchor private-sector investors.”

The Director General of the African Development Bank (DG) stated that the bank will support the government in reducing the risk associated with investment flow as it works to improve and fortify output, pushing agricultural products beyond food security to export for the state and all of Nigeria.

About the construction of the green special Agro-allied industry zone, which is also included in the AfDB’s proposal, Skipper Group President Jitender Sachdeva stated that his business had already finished negotiations with the Governor.

According to him, the infrastructure for which the company is working with AfDB to provide support will make doing business in the state easier and guarantee that every factory in the state has access to self-sustaining green power.

“Among other projects, we can help you with infrastructure, power, and Agro-processing zones. We will get started right away, he said, “I can assure you that with the kind of energy, positivity, and simplicity I have seen in you and around you.”

In response, Governor Mbah expressed his happiness that Enugu State had been selected by the AfDB and other development partners for the Special Agro-Processing Zone’s second phase. He added that his administration had already made significant financial commitments to the industry and would be prepared to investigate any opportunities the AfDB presented to the State.

He gave the AfDB his word that Enugu had complied with all the requirements needed for the project to proceed.

“I would want to notify you that Enugu State is prepared, and we have made all the necessary surveys and paperwork for you to begin working on this project.

“The social and environmental impact analyses are completed by us. We have set aside more than 1000 hectares of land near the city to serve as the Special Agro-Processing Zone, a sizable area of land that will house the facility. Additionally, we have completed the feasibility studies.

The Governor reiterated the efforts of his administration to continue attracting investors and tourists to the State while highlighting the state’s fertile land and its near-impressive performance in the cultivation and production of food crops, including soya beans, cassava, rice, maize, cashew nuts, and pineapple.

He urged investors to choose Enugu as their first option for investment in the nation, explaining that the state offered many economic and investment prospects. He also pledged that the continuous state of emergency imposed on the health sector would ensure a workforce in good health.

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The Governor also showed interest in collaborating with the power industry to further the state’s industrial revolution, stating that with the recent passing of the Enugu State Electricity Law, Enugu was well-positioned to take the lead in the power sector.

He concluded by stating that “At any point in the value chain of energy, from production to transmission to distribution, we are now prepared to assume the function of regulator. In order to make it simple for you to get your construction and operation licenses, you don’t need to travel anywhere outside of the state since we can generate, transmit, and distribute such permits.

The regulatory commission is here to offer those licenses. Regarding requirements, there is also an enormous need for power. We have quite a few industries here, and because we’ve already had conversations with some potential investors, we’re also about to bring in others.”