The federal Government says it will keep enhancing its partnerships with the private sector in order to promote sustainable economic growth and development.
This was stated by Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, at the official foundation-laying ceremony for the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the ACCI’s Ultra Modern Shopping Center in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the agenda of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, the Minister, who was represented by the Director of Trade, Mr. Suleiman Audu, stated that the ultra-modern market is anticipated to be a hub for all types of businesses and a platform for business networking.
He said “Nigeria has been selected to possibly host the 4th Intra Africa Trade Fair 2025, following a successful submission of a bid to host. The establishment of the ACCI ultra-modern shopping centre will complement government efforts in boosting Nigeria’s image during the due diligence process.
“This project is designed to accomplish the Chamber’s goal of promoting the growth and development of businesses in the FCT and supporting the private sector in maintaining sustainable progress and prosperity in commercial activities in Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He commended the efforts of the ACCI, in providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive with the establishment of the laudable project.
“Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that policies are good and consistent, as well as, providing a conducive environment for the private sector, which is the engine room for growth and prosperity” Adebayo added.
Speaking, the President, of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar said the project is a new city concept with unique ample space of blended conducive commercial and business environment, replete with modern warehouses of different sizes, premium shops, stalls, and retails shops.
“Other facilities will include an asphaltic dual carriageway entrance road, parking lots, an administrative block, banking facilities, creche, clinic, mosque, a chapel, a police post, a fire station, security surveillance cameras, waste management points, and control room.
“This project, which will comprise premium shops, general retail shops, warehouses, cold rooms, stalls, cafés and restaurants will be implemented as a private partnership development initiative between ACCI and Cityscape Properties Limited to enhance the socio-economic activities of the city” he said.
Dr Abubakar added that the development is expected to transform the business space of Abuja and present a new model for shopping platforms in the city.