The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the abandonment of over 30 industrial development centres (IDCs) across Nigeria. These centres were originally created in the 1970s to support small and medium-sized businesses and promote industrial growth.
The motion was raised during a plenary session on Tuesday by Hon. Emeka Godwin, who represents the Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency in Anambra State. He expressed concern over the current state of the IDCs, many of which have been neglected for years. Some have even been taken over by private individuals and organisations.
Hon. Godwin cited the Osogbo IDC as a key example. Established in 1976 on 70 hectares of land, it was developed through a partnership between the Federal Government, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was intended to offer technical support to small industries. However, like other centres in Owerri, Zaria, and Maiduguri, it has been left idle and the equipment has become outdated or damaged.
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According to Godwin, the purpose of these centres was to promote local industrialisation, reduce the demand for foreign goods, and create jobs. Unfortunately, those goals have not been achieved. Despite being handed over to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), little action has been taken to restore them.
He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the country risks losing the long-term benefits these centres were designed to provide. These include skills development, business support, and economic growth.
Following the motion, the House directed the Committee on Industry to investigate the issue. The committee is expected to assess the state of the IDCs, propose ways to revitalise them, and report back within four weeks.
