Residents and stakeholders in the South-South region have urged the governments of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River to take deliberate steps to revive moribund public industries to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The stakeholders made the call in a survey, expressing concern that the collapse of industries in the three states had contributed to unemployment, poverty and hardship among residents.
In Rivers, some of the industries that once contributed to the state’s economy include the West African Glass Industry, Rivers State Vegetable Oil Company, Delta Rubber Company, PABOD Breweries and Songhai Farm.
Chidi Nwankwo, an official of Pipe Coaters Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt, urged the government to audit existing industries and identify those that could still be economically viable.
He called for incentives, affordable financing, reliable electricity and improved infrastructure, as well as partnerships with private investors, to support the revival of viable industries.
An economist at Rivers State University, Dr Ebiye Tamuno, also advised the government to leverage the state’s oil and gas resources to develop manufacturing and service industries while promoting agro-processing, fisheries, construction materials, petrochemicals and marine-related businesses.
He said vocational and technical training should be integrated into the industrialisation programme to equip young people with the skills required by emerging industries.
In Akwa Ibom, residents urged the state government to prioritise the revival of local industries, particularly the Dakkada Global Oil Palm Plantation, Qua Steel Products Company and Qua Ceramics Limited.
Mr Anietie Matthew, a resident of Esit Eket, said reviving the companies would create employment and stimulate economic activities in their host communities.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umana, said the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for industries to thrive.
He said the Ibom Paint Industry was fully operational, while the state’s hospitality assets were being rebranded and the industrial park redeveloped to attract businesses and investment.
In Cross River, the government said it had commenced a review of moribund industries and assets to stimulate economic activities, create jobs and empower youths.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Ekpenyong Cobham, said the government had revived the garment factory, which had commenced mass production of mosquito nets, while other industries were being assessed for possible rehabilitation.
He added that the state was investing in agriculture, particularly cocoa and coffee, to create sustainable opportunities for youths.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr Castro Ezama, said the government had reclaimed Cross River Estate Limited and Tinapa as part of efforts to restore the state’s industrial capacity.
Experts said reviving moribund industries and establishing new ones would help address unemployment, hunger and poverty while increasing government revenue and reducing dependence on oil.
