The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq says the local economy has recorded huge gains over the last three years of his administration, with the number of active companies growing from 41 in 2019 to 77 in 2022.

The growth he said represents an impressive 87.5 percent increase.

Quoting data from the Kwara State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, the Governor commended the business community for their strategic partnership with the government.

According to him, the rise is a tribute to the efforts of the administration to bring inclusive growth to Kwara State and make life more worth living for the people.

He spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the Annual General Meeting and commissioning of the secretariat of the Manufacturers' Association of Nigeria (MAN) whose resilience the Governor commended.

Governor 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 government has curbed double and digitized many of its processes to improve land administration and other business transactions with positive outcomes for industrial growth in the state,” Governor AbdulRazaq said.

He said; “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.”

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 stressed that 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 minimize communal conflicts and strengthen the security of lives and properties.

The National President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mansur Ahmed, who described the association as the backbone of economic development and sustainable growth.

Ahmed appreciated the efforts of the state government to improve the business climate in Kwara State.

He said; “I do not 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 in 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.

“Manufacturing sector is the backbone of any economy. It is a sector that provides and sustains wealth creation. It is a sector that provides jobs on a continuous and sustainable basis and the one that drives capacity building and improves economic resilience.”

He assured the Governor of the association's continued partnership to encourage industrial growth in the State.