At the recently held Award of Stewardship event in Ebonyi State, key economic ministries shared updates on their projects and policies under the current administration. Ministries represented included Commerce and Industry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Trade and Investment, Markets and Park Development, Finance and Economic Development, Budget Planning, and Grants and Donor Support.
While the event highlighted various achievements, it also sparked valid concerns about sustainability, transparency, and the real impact of these policies on everyday Ebonyians.
Hon. Oguzorkanu Offia Nwali, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, revealed that the Ebonyi Pipe Industry is now operational, calling it the largest in both the South-East and South-South. He also shared that the Ebonyi Building Materials Industry has commenced operations, alongside plans to train youths through vocational programs.
These efforts signal a drive toward industrial revitalization and youth empowerment, but a lack of concrete data—like job numbers, trainee stats, and community beneficiaries—makes progress difficult to measure. Without transparent data and sustainability frameworks, these industries risk becoming short-lived projects.
In agriculture, Hon. Princess Nkechiyere Iyioku listed interventions such as the distribution of 13,000 bags of fertilizer in 2023 and 31,000 in 2024, provision of rice seedlings, cassava stems, and mechanized equipment. She also mentioned the revival of the Nkaliki poultry farm, creation of a livestock feed plant, and the training of 150 women under the Women in Agriculture program.
Despite these moves, residents questioned the persistently high food prices, especially rice. The commissioner blamed it on rising labor and living costs, but many citizens found the response unsatisfactory. Concerns were also raised about the timely distribution of farm inputs, with fears of recurring delays and logistical setbacks.
Hon. Elechi N. Elechi, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, emphasized innovation and capital flow, announcing a new investment website and claiming that over ₦540 million in investments had been facilitated. But without a sector-by-sector breakdown or clear evidence of grassroots benefits, many worry that these figures won’t translate into real economic inclusion.
Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, Commissioner for Markets and Park Development, reported the construction of ultramodern markets in Ishielu and Onicha. He also mentioned that arrests were made to tackle market exploitation. However, he did not elaborate on the legal procedures that followed or how these reforms would be institutionalized.
“We are aware of the hygiene challenges,” the commissioner said, “and plans are being finalized to provide public sanitation facilities in our major markets. It’s a work in progress.”
Despite this assurance, he shared no timeline or concrete plan. For market users, the lack of public toilets and poor sanitary conditions remains a daily concern with health and dignity implications.
From the finance ministry, Hon. Dr. Leonard Uguru addressed widespread complaints of heavy taxation. He said a tax law review is underway and discussed efforts to dismantle fake tax collection syndicates, though he didn’t share outcomes or enforcement details.
Allegations about a POS monopoly in markets—where one person controls several outlets—were also raised. The commissioner acknowledged the situation and said it’s under investigation, but no solution was offered. This points to broader issues of financial exclusion and limited banking access.
Hon. Chinwe Oka of Budget and Planning explained her ministry’s role in fund disbursement, distancing it from any budget padding accusations. She assured attendees of transparency moving forward. Still, participants emphasized the need for citizen-friendly, accessible budget reports to boost monitoring and civic engagement.
The ministries have made moves—but without clear data, grassroots reach, and institutional transparency, progress risks being short-lived or poorly understood by those it aims to serve.
If Ebonyians are to truly benefit from these economic strides, the government must focus on inclusive implementation, consistent feedback loops, and publicly accessible outcomes. The time for impactful governance is now.
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