Abuja: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Nasarawa State Government have entered a partnership to promote sustainable consumption and innovative practices for economic growth. Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, announced this collaboration during the Nasarawa State Special Day at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Jideani emphasized that the theme of the fair, 'Sustainability: Consumption, Innovation and Taxation', was highly relevant to the partnership. He highlighted Nasarawa's significant role as an agricultural, industrial, and cultural contributor to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) economy, underscoring the necessity for stronger collaboration to promote sustainable consumption, innovative practices, and inclusive growth.
Jideani remarked on the unique and strategic relationship between Nasarawa and Abuja, noting that many who contribute to Abuja's economy reside in Nasarawa, making it a crucial residential hub. Additionally, Nasarawa's agricultural outputs, including grains, vegetables, tubers, fruits, and livestock, supply Abuja's markets, enhancing food security and strengthening trade ties.
The director-general noted that Nasarawa's participation at the AITF reflects the strong and historic bond between the state and the FCT. He emphasized that as immediate neighbors, their destinies are closely intertwined, bringing mutual socio-economic benefits and shared opportunities.
Jideani pointed out that Nasarawa offers vast opportunities in real estate, industry, and tourism, serving as a natural extension of Abuja's rapid growth. He stated that investors who may find Abuja restrictive or costly have increasingly discovered Nasarawa to be fertile ground for business and innovation, with the spillover of infrastructure, population, and commerce deepening the integration of the economies.
He described the fair as not just an exhibition, but a platform to strengthen partnerships, deepen investments, and unlock the enormous potentials between the two communities. Jideani encouraged participants to explore opportunities in Nasarawa State while leveraging the enabling environment of Abuja to build a stronger economy for Nigeria. He commended the governor and people of Nasarawa for their continued partnership, enterprise, and commitment to development, urging collaborative efforts to build bridges of prosperity.
Mr. Mohammed Ottos, Nasarawa Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, stated that the state would continue to pursue policies encouraging partnerships and creating job opportunities to boost the economy. Ottos expressed that their efforts aim to guarantee prosperity for the people of Nasarawa and Nigeria at large, highlighting the state's vision of building an economy of possibilities where every investment becomes a story of growth and every partnership a step towards shared prosperity.