By VIVIAN EMONI

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says rising insecurity is seriously threatening business growth, national productivity and investors confidence across the country.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, the ACCI President, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that insecurity has created fragile operating environments for businesses nationwide.

He identified banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts and illegal mining as the major security challenges.

Obegolu who expressed concern over these situations said they have disrupted transportation corridors and supply chains.

According to him, insecurity has inflated logistics costs and endangered workers.

“Many firms have suspended expansion plans due to safety concerns.

“Some companies have halted ongoing projects entirely. Others, are relocating investments to safer states or foreign markets,” he said.

The ACCI president warned that continued insecurity could trigger capital flight, worsen productivity and unemployment.

He said that no nation could grow economically without prioritising security, saying its fight should be a joint effort.

Obegolu noted that secure environments attract investment, while insecurity repels it, adding that insecurity is a direct threat to Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.

He also expressed worry on illegal mining which he said fuels violence and leads to revenue loss, urging stronger enforcement and intelligence driven security strategies.

He called for collaboration among governments, security agencies, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders.

According to him, community leaders and civil society must also be actively involved.

Obegolu reiterated the chambers strong commitment to addressing insecurity, which it identified as a major threat to business growth, investment inflow and national productivity.

“To address these challenges, ACCI advocates a coordinated and multi-stakeholder approach involving government, security agencies, the private sector, traditional institutions, communities and civil society.

“The chamber supports the deployment of technology-driven security solutions, including satellite and space-based monitoring systems.

“This is to enhance surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen enforcement against criminal activities, especially illegal mining.

“Restoring security remains fundamental to attracting investment, safeguarding enterprises and unlocking Nigeria’s vast economic potential,” he said.

The ACCI boss, therefore, urged the media to spotlight insecurity to drive accountability and action.

On the 2025 ACCI’s achievement, he said that the chamber has recorded significant progress in strengthening the business ecosystem within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

According to him, the chamber expanded its advocacy role on national economic issues, including security, tax reforms, livestock development, renewable energy and industrial growth.

“ACCI successfully organised major conferences, trade fairs, capacity-building programmes and policy dialogues aimed at enterprise development and investment promotion.

“It also enhanced support for small and medium enterprises through training programmes, dispute resolution mechanisms, business advisory services and market access initiatives.

“The commissioning of the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology Centre further strengthened ACCI’s commitment to innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship,” Obegolu said. (NAN)

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