The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared Abia State open for business for serious-minded entrepreneurs and investors. The Governor made the declaration on Thursday, March 5th, at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube, Umuahia, during the maiden Business Roundtable organized by the Abia State Public Private Partnerships and Investments Promotion (PPP & IP) Office with the theme “Vision Meets Enterprise.”
The business roundtable is part of the intentional efforts of Governor Otti’s administration to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector. It is aimed at engaging directly with the private sector, targeting feedback that will shape policies that will drive sustainable economic growth and development of the State through a private sector-led economy.
In his speech titled “Opportunities, Partnership and Prosperity,” Governor Otti said that investing in Abia State offers an extensive bouquet of opportunities and benefits for investors.
“Our interest is extensively on value addition. We are open to engaging further with anyone who has what it takes to support our development vision from the standpoint of value creation.
“The summary of my presentation is that investing in Abia offers an extensive bouquet of benefits,” Governor Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive explained that his administration has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure and human capital development, stressing that the aim is to grow the State’s economy by incentivizing investments across multiple sectors.
“We have continued to invest in infrastructure and human capital development, and the trajectory of the State is no longer up for speculation.
“Our goal is to grow the economy by incentivizing investments on multiple frontlines, and I am glad to see several well-known players represented here,” Governor Otti added.
Gov. Otti further emphasized that restoring confidence in businesses requires deliberate investments in road infrastructure, security, and other factors that create a conducive business environment.
The number one citizen of the State noted that Abia State possesses several competitive advantages, including favourable tax policies, a robust security network, large markets, predictable income levels for many urban households, and a high concentration of skilled and unskilled labour that you can’t find elsewhere.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, stated that Abia State has embarked on a deliberate reform journey anchored on four key pillars: transparency, institutional discipline, infrastructural renewal, and private sector–led growth.
The SSG noted that the business roundtable was not merely ceremonial but designed as a practical platform for dialogue between government and the private sector to drive economic transformation in the State.
“Sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved by government pronouncements alone. It requires alignment between policy, investment capital, governance, and enterprise,” Gov. Otti declared.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the PPP & IP Office, Chinedu Chijioke, who convened the event, said that the roundtable was organized to hear directly from stakeholders and investors.
He noted that the Abia State Government is committed to building a business environment where innovation thrives, industries expand, and businesses scale regionally and globally from the New Abia.
“Public-private dialogue is not optional; it is essential to shaping reforms for a more prosperous business environment,” the DG/CEO stated.
Also contributing, the Director of Kojo Motors Nigeria (representing the Chery automobile brand), Mr. Chukwudolu Umeobi, disclosed that the company is interested in partnering with the Abia State Government under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to invest in the assembling of electric vehicles in the State.
He explained that the initiative would help improve transportation and logistics while supporting environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.
Similarly, the National Team Leader of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, emphasized the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation, noting that adequate financing is required to address climate challenges.
He commended Governor Otti’s initiatives, such as the Green Shuttle programme, which supports environmentally friendly transportation and climate resilience.
In their goodwill messages, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, who spoke on behalf of the Aba Business Community, and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Singapore, Amb. Nonye Rajis Okpara applauded the Governor for convening the business roundtable, noting that the signals coming from Abia are encouraging for investors and businesses.
In a vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on PPP & IP, Chief J. N. Green-Amakwe, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, while positioning Abia as a destination for global investment.
The Business Roundtable featured technical presentations and interactive sessions with the Governor and attracted dignitaries, investors, and captains of industry from across the country.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
March 5th, 2026.
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