The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has removed the Trade and Commerce aspect of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from the control of the commissioner, Dr Obinna Ngonadi.
The approval to that effect was said to have been taken at the State Executive Council meeting on Monday, according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Trade and Commerce aspect of the Ministry will, until further notice, be domiciled under the Governor’s Office, adding that by implication, all activities relating to trade and commerce should be channelled to the Governor’s Office.
Chukwulobelu stated that the decision was to enable the Ministry of Industry to focus on the industrialisation agenda of Mr Governor, and for greater performance, pointing out that the reorganisation was with immediate effect.
Ngonadi, who has been at loggerheads with traders and some market leaders across the state over allegations of ‘commercialising’ market spaces in the state, will now supervise only the ministry of industry.
The statement read, “The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi, will henceforth be addressed as the Commissioner for Industry.
“The Trade and Commerce aspect of the Ministry will, until further notice, be domiciled under the Governor’s Office. By implication, all activities relating to trade and commerce should be channelled to the Governor’s Office.
“This decision is to enable the Ministry of Industry to focus on the industrialization agenda of Mr Governor, and for greater performance.
“The above reorganisation is with immediate effect.”
Punch