By Godwin Anyebe
Governor Francis Nwifuru’s recent statement that there is “no industry in Ebonyi State” has sparked a critical examination of the eight-year tenure of his predecessor, David Umahi. Umahi, who led Ebonyi from 2015 to 2023, is often celebrated for his ambitious infrastructure projects. His administration saw the construction of numerous roads, bridges, and government buildings, transforming the state’s physical landscape. However, as Nwifuru pointed out, the lack of industries reveals a gap in Umahi’s legacy that raises important questions about the long-term economic growth of Ebonyi.
Umahi’s leadership style was characterized by a clear emphasis on infrastructure development. From the iconic flyovers in Abakaliki to modernized government buildings, his tenure was defined by physical transformation. Yet, as Nwifuru’s remarks highlight, the absence of industrial development means that the state’s economic backbone remains weak. Industries, which could provide employment, drive local economies, and reduce poverty, were not prioritized. Now, as Nwifuru embarks on his administration, the focus shifts to whether Umahi’s infrastructural strides have laid any real foundation for industrialization or if they were simply cosmetic improvements.
The infrastructure-Industry Divide
It’s important to recognize that infrastructure is a critical part of economic development. Well-constructed roads and bridges can reduce transportation costs, open up rural areas, and make a state more attractive to investors. However, without industries to tap into these benefits, infrastructure risks becoming an end in itself rather than a means to an economically prosperous future.
During Umahi’s tenure, Ebonyi saw remarkable improvements in road networks and public facilities. But infrastructure alone doesn’t create jobs or generate income. Industries—whether in manufacturing, agriculture, or mining—are what sustain economies by adding value to raw materials, providing employment, and fostering innovation. Nwifuru’s observation that no industries were developed during Umahi’s reign exposes a major shortcoming in the state’s economic strategy.
Despite the improvements in physical infrastructure, the state’s dependence on agriculture, informal trade, and federal allocations leaves it vulnerable. Ebonyi’s rich resources, including limestone, lead, and agricultural products, remain underutilized due to the lack of industries capable of processing these materials. The missed opportunity to develop these industries represents a significant gap in Umahi’s legacy.
The Economic Consequences of Neglecting Industry
One of the most immediate consequences of the absence of industries in Ebonyi is the high rate of unemployment, especially among young people. With limited industrial development, the majority of the workforce remains dependent on subsistence farming and small-scale trading. The lack of opportunities in the formal sector drives migration to larger cities, leaving many communities underdeveloped.
Moreover, the absence of industries limits the state’s ability to generate internally generated revenue (IGR). Ebonyi’s overreliance on federal allocations stifles its potential for financial independence. Umahi’s administration had an opportunity to capitalize on the state’s natural resources and human capital by encouraging private sector investment, but the focus remained on projects that, while visible, did not significantly impact the economic structure of the state.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
Umahi’s administration had the political will and resources to drive industrialization in Ebonyi but fell short of implementing policies that would have attracted industries. For instance, the state could have established special economic zones or industrial parks to encourage investment. Tax incentives, land reforms, and improved ease of doing business could have created a favorable environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
The state’s agricultural potential could have been better leveraged with the establishment of agro-processing industries, which would add value to raw products like rice, cassava, and yams, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Additionally, industries related to the mining sector, given the state’s rich deposits of minerals, could have been developed, further diversifying the economy.
Nwifuru’s Task: Correcting the Course
Governor Nwifuru’s blunt assessment of the lack of industries places him in a position to correct the course and deliver the economic transformation that Ebonyi desperately needs. He has inherited a state with good infrastructure, but without the industrial base required for sustainable growth. Now, his administration must focus on creating the conditions for industrialization by attracting private investment, supporting local entrepreneurs, and fostering public-private partnerships.
One of the first steps Nwifuru should take is to develop a comprehensive industrialization policy that outlines clear objectives for the establishment of industries in sectors like agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. This policy should address the regulatory bottlenecks that hinder businesses from setting up in the state and offer incentives to both local and foreign investors.
Vocational training and education should also be a priority to ensure that Ebonyi’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed for the industrial age. By investing in human capital, the state can create a workforce capable of driving innovation and supporting the growth of new industries.
What Legacy Will Be Remembered?
As Nwifuru begins his term, the question remains: What will Umahi’s legacy be in the eyes of Ebonyi’s people? His infrastructure projects may stand the test of time, but without a solid economic base, they risk becoming relics of an incomplete vision. In the end, a governor’s legacy is defined not just by what is built, but by the impact those developments have on the lives of the people. Infrastructure without industry may improve aesthetics, but it does not provide the sustainable growth that Ebonyi needs.
Nwifuru’s challenge now is to build on Umahi’s foundation by ensuring that the next phase of development focuses on industries that will create jobs, boost the economy, and secure the state’s future. The people of Ebonyi deserve more than physical structures; they deserve a thriving economy that provides opportunities for all.
