The Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, COSSCCIMA, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and employment opportunities across the South-South geopolitical zone.
At the recent South-South Job Creation and Economic Review Summit in Port Harcourt, COSSCCIMA President, Hon. Indutimi Komonibo, called for stronger synergy between government, private enterprise, and regional stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the region’s economic assets.
Komonibo stressed that while government interventions are essential, they are not sufficient to address the scale of unemployment.
“Government appointments cannot produce financially independent citizens at scale,” he said. “We need entrepreneurs and investors to step up and build ecosystems that empower others.”
One of the most promising developments, Komonibo noted, is the Federal Government’s introduction of the Helicopter Landing Levy, which he described as a “game-changer” for regional economic stimulation.
Beyond its regulatory function, the levy is expected to create direct and indirect jobs in aviation logistics, air traffic control, and helipad operations, Generate employment through infrastructure upgrades, including radar systems, communication networks, and navigational services and Support youth training and deployment in airspace monitoring and aviation safety roles, especially in collaboration with oil companies operating offshore
Komonibo emphasized that the levy will not only enhance safety and efficiency in offshore operations but also serve as a catalyst for community development and youth empowerment.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for backing forward-thinking policies and urged swift implementation of the initiative to maximize its impact.
The BoT Chairman of COSSCCIMA, Billy Harry, also spoke at the summit, stressing that one of the coalition’s key mandates is to continually seek economic opportunities within the South-South to empower youths and reduce the risk of social unrest and militancy.
“Our mission is to create an environment where no youth from the South-South should remain jobless,” Harry declared.
One of the Members of the Coalition, Isaac Nwonwu, who also serves as the First Deputy President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), identified power generation as a critical area where COSSCCIMA can drive a regional economic project.
He noted that with better access to reliable electricity, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), manufacturers, and service providers in the region would flourish, leading to job creation and wealth generation.
He suggested that the coalition could initiate dialogues with key stakeholders to explore independent power projects (IPPs) tailored to the region’s industrial needs.
In addition, he says the governments of the region must create tax friendly environments, basic infrastructure and ensure security for businesses to grow.
Another Board member from Cross River State, Christabel Ndubuisi, who Chairs the Agric Trade Group of the organization, urged women to take proactive steps in equipping themselves with relevant skills to fully tap into the opportunities presented by COSSCCIMA’s economic development vision.
She emphasized that by building their capacity, women can play leading roles in driving entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth across the South-South region.
