ENUGU, Feb. 21, 2026 – A bold step for Enugu’s economic future! The inauguration of the ECCIMA Hall reflects resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a thriving commercial hub in the South-East.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Friday inaugurated a 3,000 square metre Premium Exhibition and Convention Hall built by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).
The modern facility, located within the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex, is part of ongoing efforts to transform the trade fair complex into a vibrant commercial hub and strengthen the organised private sector in the South-East.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Mbah described the chamber as a foremost institution that has consistently remained at the forefront of economic development in Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
According to him, the ECCIMA Hall project aligns with the administration’s ambitious vision of growing Enugu’s economy to 30 billion dollars.
“When His Excellency laid out this broad vision during the campaign, it was actually at the Chamber Council Hall. Many wondered how the economy could grow seven-fold within eight years.
“But with clear vision, clarity of action and belief in the people, we are getting there cumulatively,” he said.
The governor congratulated ECCIMA’s leadership, past leaders and donors, assuring them of the state government’s continued support.
“This is one organisation others should emulate. There is smooth leadership transition, and that stability is commendable. The state government will continue to support you,” he added.
Self-Help Drive and Institutional Resilience
A former ECCIMA President, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, said the chamber was compelled to embark on self-help after repeated efforts to secure federal support for the Enugu trade fair complex failed.
According to him, trade fair centres in Lagos and Kaduna were funded by the Federal Government, but that of Enugu was abandoned as appeals for intervention were not honoured.
He noted that the chamber had earlier completed its permanent secretariat building through members’ contributions, reducing an initial seven-year projection to three years before inaugurating it in 2020.
“We decided to take our destiny in our hands. If others cannot help us, we can help ourselves,” Chime said.
He commended the current leadership for prudent use of funds and urged successive councils to sustain the plan to construct additional halls within the complex.
A Historic Milestone for the Private Sector
In his welcome address, ECCIMA President, Mr Odeiga Jideonwo, described the inauguration of the ECCIMA Hall as a historic milestone for the organised private sector, particularly in the South-East.
“It is with great delight and a deep sense of purpose that I welcome you all to the commissioning of our 3,000sqm Premium Exhibition and Convention Hall,” he said.
Jideonwo recalled that the vision for a befitting trade fair complex dated back to 1999 when the Federal Government declined to complete the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex, unlike similar facilities in Lagos and Kaduna.
He explained that his leadership assumed office in February 2024 with a clear decision to change the narrative surrounding infrastructural deficits within the complex hence the completion of the ECCIMA Hall.
The foundation for the ECCIMA hall was laid on April 4, 2024, during the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair. The project cost approximately N500 million.
“This ECCIMA Hall project was 100 per cent funded through internally generated revenue of the chamber, mainly freewill donations from members and friends of the Chamber,” he said.
Thanking the governor for his support, Jideonwo appealed for further assistance in installing air conditioners and landscaping the premises ECCIMA Hall ahead of the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair scheduled for March 21 to March 30, 2026.
“Due to paucity of funds, we have not been able to install the needed air conditioners or landscape the surroundings.
“We humbly request the support of His Excellency and the state government to fully equip this building before the next trade fair,” he appealed.
Pro-Business Tax Regime Encourages Donations
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, congratulated the chamber and donors, noting that the new tax regime encourages such contributions.
“The tax system we have implemented allows this kind of donation. Sections 163 and 164 of the new tax law clearly state that donations to approved funds are deductible as business expenses,” he said.
Nnamani described the new tax law as pro-citizen and pro-business, adding that small businesses with annual turnover below N100 million are exempt from certain taxes.
“There is no fear in the new tax law. It is designed to support businesses. We will sit down with stakeholders and guide them on how to structure their donations properly and obtain receipts so they can claim deductions,” he said.
The inauguration of the ECCIMA Hall signals renewed confidence in Enugu’s economic future, driven by private sector resilience and sustained government collaboration.
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