• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

Abia State held its maiden Business Roundtable Summit on Thursday, March 5, at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube, Umuahia, aimed at strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth. Organised by the Abia State Public Private Partnerships and Investments Promotion (PPP & IP) Office, the summit, themed "Vision Meets Enterprise," brought together investors, captains of industry, government officials, diplomats, development partners, financial institutions, and members of organised private sectors from across Nigeria. The event featured presentations, group discussions, lectures, and interactive sessions with Governor Dr. Alex Otti. Governor Otti, who chaired the summit, highlighted the opportunities available for investors in Abia State in a keynote address titled "Opportunities, Partnership and Prosperity." He emphasised the administration's focus on value addition, infrastructure development, and human capital investment to create a conducive business environment. "Investing in Abia offers a wide array of benefits. We are open for business and ready to engage anyone capable of supporting our development vision," Otti said. He also outlined plans to improve security in Umuahia and Aba, including the installation of surveillance systems, and stressed that robust road networks are key to boosting economic activity and citizens' welfare. Otti highlighted Abia State's competitive advantages, including favourable tax policies, a secure environment, large markets, predictable urban incomes, and a skilled labour force. He called for deliberate investments in infrastructure and partnerships to restore business confidence. Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, said the summit reflected Abia's reform agenda, anchored on transparency, institutional discipline, infrastructural renewal, and private sector-led growth. He stressed that sustainable growth requires alignment between government policies, investment capital, and enterprise. Chinedu Chijioke, Director-General of the PPP & IP Office and convener of the summit, reiterated the administration's commitment to building a business environment where innovation thrives, industries expand, and enterprises scale regionally and globally. Investor participation included Kojo Motors Nigeria, represented by Mr. Chukwudolu Umeobi, which expressed interest in assembling electric vehicles in the state under a public-private partnership to boost transportation and environmental sustainability. Similarly, Ifeanyi Ugwuoke of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) commended Otti's initiatives, including the Green Shuttle programme, highlighting its role in climate adaptation and resilience. Goodwill messages from Chief David Ogba Onuoha of the Aba Business Community and former Ambassador to Singapore, Amb. Nonye Rajis Okpara, lauded Governor Otti for sending strong positive signals to investors and businesses in the state. In closing, Chief J. N. Green-Amakwe, Special Adviser on PPP & IP, thanked Governor Otti for his visionary leadership in positioning Abia as a prime destination for investment. The summit concluded with technical presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, reinforcing Abia State's commitment to private sector-led economic development. Source: https://hallmarknews.com/abia-business-roundtable-draws-investors-as-otti-pledges-investor-friendly-reforms/