Governor honoured for contributions to industry, mining and agriculture at CONSCCIMA’s 42nd AGM
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has called for a new economic direction for Northern Nigeria anchored on value addition, industrialisation, regional cooperation and stronger partnership between governments and the private sector.
The Governor said the North must move beyond the traditional practice of exporting raw materials and begin transforming its vast agricultural and mineral resources into finished products capable of competing in Nigerian, African and global markets.
Governor Bala Mohammed made the call at the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Coalition of Northern States Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CONSCCIMA), held in Bauchi.
Represented by the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Yakubu Hashimu Kumbala, the Governor said the region possesses enormous human and natural resources which, if properly harnessed, could stimulate industrial growth, create jobs and significantly improve the living conditions of its people.
He challenged political and business leaders, investors and other stakeholders across Northern Nigeria to intensify efforts towards converting the region’s agricultural and mineral potential into sustainable economic opportunities.
According to the Governor, value addition remains critical to unlocking the full economic potential of the North, stressing that processing agricultural produce and other raw materials locally would create employment, expand markets and retain greater economic value within the region.
Governor Bala Mohammed also advocated stronger collaboration between governments, Chambers of Commerce and the organised private sector, noting that adequate infrastructure, improved access to finance, innovation and business-friendly policies are essential for sustainable economic development.
He commended CONSCCIMA for choosing Bauchi State to host its 42nd AGM, describing the gathering as an important platform for strengthening regional economic cooperation and developing practical solutions to challenges confronting businesses across Northern Nigeria.
The Governor’s efforts towards economic development also received recognition at the event, as CONSCCIMA honoured him for his contributions to the development of industry, mining and agriculture in Bauchi State.
Speaking at the meeting, President of the Bauchi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Said, said the recognition reflected the Governor’s support for the productive sectors and his efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
He said the Bauchi State Government supported the successful hosting of the AGM by providing logistics, accommodation and other facilities required for delegates attending the meeting from across Northern Nigeria.
Alhaji Aminu commended the Governor’s continued engagement with the organised private sector, saying closer cooperation between government and businesses would help stimulate investment, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), represented by his Deputy, Dr. Alimi Bello, called for deeper collaboration among Chambers of Commerce, governments and private-sector operators.
Dr. Bello said effective partnerships would help businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), overcome persistent challenges associated with access to finance, markets and investment opportunities.
He maintained that creating a conducive business environment was crucial to expanding enterprises, attracting investment and strengthening their contribution to national economic development.
Similarly, the President-Elect of CONSCCIMA, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, pledged to prioritise advocacy, business development, improved membership services and greater collaboration among Chambers across Northern Nigeria.
He identified insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, disruptions to trade and limited access to finance as some of the major obstacles confronting businesses in the region.
Alhaji Ashemi assured members that his leadership would work with governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to promote policies capable of improving the competitiveness of Northern businesses and strengthening economic integration across the region.
The 42nd AGM brought together leaders and representatives of Chambers of Commerce from across Northern Nigeria, providing a platform for dialogue on investment, industrialisation, agriculture, mining, trade and strategies for accelerating sustainable economic development in the region.
By Abdulwahab Muhammad
SSA Communication to the Governor of Bauchi State
Published by Alphapressmedia.com
