By Our Correspondent
National News – The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot Community, Chinedu Anyaso, has called for better governance and a special status for Nnewi in Anambra State, citing its industrial importance and development needs.
Speaking in Ozubulu during a weekend engagement with journalists at the Ekwusigo Local Government Area headquarters, Anyaso said the push aims to address long-standing infrastructural and ecological challenges affecting the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency.
He explained that if elected to the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), he would use legislative instruments at the National Assembly to secure federal recognition and improved representation for the area.
He noted that Nnewi, widely regarded as an industrial hub in Nigeria and the South-East, contributes significantly to manufacturing and economic activity, yet suffers from inadequate federal attention.
Anyaso added that his plan involves partnering with the Anambra State Government led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and leveraging national networks to drive development.
He stressed that granting Nnewi a special status would boost economic fortunes, create jobs for youths, and ease pressure on overstretched social amenities caused by population growth and industrial migration.
He also criticized years of “unfruitful” agitations and poor representation, insisting that stronger legislative advocacy is needed to attract federal projects and infrastructure investment to the region.
He further appealed to APGA leaders in the constituency to support his aspiration, stating that his experience as IPMAN chairman positions him to secure electoral victory in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, effective representation in the National Assembly is critical to addressing persistent challenges such as road infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and limited federal presence in key industrial communities across the constituency.
Anyaso reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and strategic development partnerships that would elevate Nnewi’s status as a major industrial centre in Africa’s most populous nation.
Stakeholders say the proposal reflects growing demands for decentralised development and stronger federal intervention in Nigeria’s industrial cities.
