Kwara active firms increased by 87.5% – AbdulRazaq
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara says the state's local economy has recorded huge gains over the last three years of his administration.
AbdulRazaq said on Thursday in that the number of active companies in Kwara grew from just 41 in 2019 to 77 in 2022, representing an impressive 87.5 per cent rise.
This is contained in a statement made available by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye.
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.
He noted that the rise was a tribute to the efforts of his administration to bring inclusive growth to Kwara and make life more worth living for its people.
He spoke at the Annual General Meeting and inauguration 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 governor said 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.
"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.
"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," said the governor
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.
The National President, MAN, Mr Mansur Ahmed, who described the association as the backbone of economic development and sustainable growth, appreciated the efforts of the AbdulRazaq administration to improve the business climate in the 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.
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, Chief 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 and other business-friendly policies in the state.
"Your Excellency, your decision to grace this event symbolises your recognition of the manufacturing industry as a key driver of our economy in Nigeria," Rahman said.
The event was attended by creme de la creme in the Kwara business community, including the KWACCIMA President, Alhaji Olalekan Ayodimeji, and top industrialist Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf.
