Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday said the local economy has recorded huge gains over the last three years of his administration, with the number of active companies in Kwara growing from just 41 in 2019 to 77 in 2022, representing an impressive 87.5 percent increase.

Quoting a data from the Kwara Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, the Governor commended the business community for their strategic partnership with the government and said the rise is a tribute to the efforts of the administration to bring inclusive growth to Kwara and make life more worth living for its people.

He spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the Annual General Meeting and commissioning of the secretariat of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) whose resilience the Governor commended.

AbdulRazaq said the growth in the number of functional firms has positive impacts on the standards of living of the people of the state.

The government has curbed double and digitised many of its processes to improve land administration and other business transactions with positive outcomes for industrial growth in the state, AbdulRazaq said.

“From just 41 firms in 2019 to 77 in 2022, the percentage of functional companies in Kwara has grown by at least 87.8% over the last three years,” he said.

“From just four skeletal flights in 2019, we now have some 12 flights every day to and from the state capital, Ilorin. Notwithstanding the national economic challenges, I’m impressed by the resilience and consistent growth of the Kwara economy.

“As of July 19, 2022, we had just 15 C of O waiting for printing, with just 46 R of O and 15 Assignments also awaiting printing. Otherwise, we have ensured that the government's processes are done expeditiously. We are similarly working on other proposals to improve the business climate in Kwara.”

AbdulRazaq said the rising inflation and security challenges in the country are surmountable with everybody playing their best roles, reiterating his administration's resolve to continue to assist the business community in the state.

He said the government's commitment is evident in its ease of doing business campaigns and infrastructural development across the state, as well as its efforts to minimise communal conflicts and strengthen security of lives and properties.

National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr Mansur Ahmed, who described MAN as the backbone of economic development and sustainable growth, appreciated the efforts of the AbdulRazaq administration to improve the business climate in Kwara State.

“I have no doubt that (Your Excellency is) aware of the position and significance of the manufacturing sector in our economy. I am aware that you have indeed done a lot for the past three years to improve the environment for investors and particularly those in the manufacturing sector. I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for this,” he said.

“Manufacturing sector is the backbone of any economy. Because it is a sector that provides and sustains wealth creation. It is a sector that provides jobs on a continuous and sustainable basis and it is a sector that drives capacity building and improves economic resilience.”

He assured the Governor of the association’s continued partnership to encourage industrial growth in the state.

MAN’s Chairman for Kwara/Kogi states branch, Pharmacist Bioku Rahman, in his welcome address, appreciated the government for its giant strides and for creating an enabling atmosphere to grow businesses through the creation of Ease of Doing Business Council and other business-friendly policies in the state.

“Your Excellency, your decision to grace this event symbolizes your recognition of the manufacturing industry as a key driver of our economy in Nigeria,” Rahman said.

“Your government has also displayed this in policy advancement, including the inauguration of the Ease of Doing Business Council in Kwara State, and the decision to co-opt MAN into the expanded caucus of the Council.”

The event was attended by creme de la creme in the Kwara business community, including the KWACCIMA President Alhaji Olalekan Fatai Ayodimeji and top industrialist Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf.

•PHOTO: L-R (front row): Dr Kamoru Yusuf; Mrs Adewumi Lydia Oluwafunke; Kwara State Chairman of Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) Pharm Bioku Rahamon FPSN; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; President MAN Engr. Mansur Ahmed; Kwara State Commissioner for Business Innovation Technology Hon Ibrahim Akaje; and Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah; during the 8th Annual General meeting and official commissioning of MAN's Secretariat Building, in Ilorin, on Thursday.

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