Nnewi, The Economic Giant Always Neglected By Successive Anambra State Government.

Nnewi’s journey to becoming an economic hub which started in 1970, after the Nigerian Civil War. Ndị Nnewi(Nnewi People) living in different cities across the country suffered great losses during the war, so they decided to take back all their investments and businesses home. Agbo Edo, a forest land which belonged to Edo- Nnewi deity, was cleared to make way for a new market called Nkwo Nnewi market. The development of this market propelled the fast development of the local economy.

As a fast developing city and a major industrial and commercial hub in Africa, Nnewi experiences voluminous financial activities, therefore hosts major banks, and other financial institutions. Industries are dotted around the city and adjoining towns. Palm oil, cosmetics, motor, and motorcycle spare parts, books, and stationery, textiles, electric cables, and so on are produced in commercial quantity in the area.

Its main trading centers include Nkwo Nnewi markets which are New motorcycle spare parts market (the largest spare parts market in Africa), Agbọ-Edo motor spare parts market, Nwagbala market, Generator parts market, Electrical parts market, Nkwọ Nnewi general market (Ime Afia),Nnewi Timber dealers market (Ọgbọ osisi), Nwafor market, Eke Amaobi market, Eke Ochie, Eke Ichi Market, Orie otube Market, Okpunoegbu market etc.

Nnewi has many notable individuals who have represented their community in government positions.

Some include:

• A. A. Nwafor Orizu: President of the Nigerian Senate in the First Republic and later Acting President before the first coup d’état of 1966.

• Chief Z.C. Obi (Onunekwuluigbo Igbo): First republic politician.

• Comrade Dr. Edward Ikem Okeke: Deputy President of the PRP and Special Adviser to the President (Second Republic).

• Mr. F. C. Nwokedi: The first Nigerian Permanent Secretary.

• Professor A. B. C. Nwosu: Former Health Commissioner in East Central state and Anambra state.

• Dr. Chu Okongwu: Former Minister of Finance.

Despite all these politicians and the economic prosperity, Nnewi has been neglected by successive state governments in terms of infrastructural development and social amenities. Nnewi lacks basic infrastructure such as good roads, water supply, and electricity. Successive state governments have been accused of neglecting Nnewi in terms of infrastructure development and social amenities. The city’s roads are in a deplorable state, and the lack of a functioning water supply system has led to the proliferation of boreholes and water vendors.

Nnewi has a high population density, which has put a strain on the city’s resources and infrastructure. The city’s industrialization has also led to environmental pollution, with many industries operating without proper waste management systems.

One may identify these factors as one of the reasons behind this neglect as follow;

• Political marginalization- Nnewi’s political influence may be limited, leading to neglect by the state government.

• Lack of representation- Insufficient representation in the state legislature or executive branches may hinder Nnewi’s ability to advocate for its needs.

• Resource allocation- The state government may prioritize resources for other regions or projects, overlooking Nnewi’s needs.

• Lack of data-driven decision-making- The government may not utilize data and statistics to inform decisions, leading to a lack of understanding of Nnewi’s economic importance.

• Competing priorities- The state government may focus on other pressing issues like security, healthcare, or education, overshadowing Nnewi’s economic needs.

• Inefficient bureaucracy- Ineffective government processes and bottlenecks may hinder the implementation of projects and initiatives in Nnewi.

• Historical neglect- Past governments may have neglected Nnewi’s development, creating a lingering disparity in infrastructure and resources.

The indigenes and residents of Nnewi City is calling on the Government to swiftly look into the important factors that would improve the livelihood and industrialization in Nnewi, which some includes:

• Dualistic of Major Roads: the need for this can’t be overemphasized. It will aid in smooth transportation and movement within the city and curb traffic jam which is always noticed in the early hours of the morning and evening when people are returning home from their businesses.

• Construction and Channeling drainage properly: This would reduce flooding and stop rain water from getting into the roads and damaging them.

• Rehabilitating the Inner Roads, which are now very bad, barely accessible and in a deplorable state

• Developing the land mapped out for GRA at Eme Court Road, which has been empty and wasting away for decades.

• Installation of Street lights: This would greatly enhance night life in Nnewi which the city is lacking currently.

• Modernization of all the Major Markets in Nnewi.

• Building a State Library like it is in Major cities in the state to enable growth in the educational and research sector of the state. Having a largely populated Federal Medical School in the city, it would be very useful to students too.

• Building of a Mini Stadium open to the public to encourage sports activities within and across the city, to engage the youths positively.

• Building a city Car and Motorcycle Park.

• Good and accessible security system within the city: For a commercial city, Nnewi needs strong security always to allow people go about their daily activities without fear of robbery or kidnap which is quite rampant now.

These and many more are what the people of Nnewi are calling the government on, to look into as Nnewi is undeniably a commercial and huge revenue generating city in Anambra State.