Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has inaugurated the maiden Abia State Business Roundtable, describing it as a platform “where vision meets enterprise.”

The event, held yesterday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, the state capital, attracted a large gathering of stakeholders, including professionals, investors, business leaders and representatives of various groups from within and outside the state.

At the forum, Governor Otti declared that Abia State is open for business to serious-minded entrepreneurs and investors.

The roundtable was organised by the Abia State Public-Private Partnerships and Investments Promotion (PPP & IP) Office with the theme, “Vision Meets Enterprise.”

Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the PPP & IP Office and convener of the roundtable, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, said the initiative was designed to create a direct interface between the government, investors and other key stakeholders.

He noted that the state government remains committed to building a business environment where innovation thrives, industries expand and businesses scale regionally and globally under the “New Abia” development agenda.

According to Chijioke, the roundtable is part of the deliberate efforts of Governor Otti’s administration to strengthen collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“It is aimed at engaging directly with the private sector and gathering feedback that will shape policies capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development in the state through a private sector-led economy,” he said.

He added that public-private dialogue is crucial in shaping reforms for a more prosperous business environment.

In his address titled “Opportunities, Partnership and Prosperity,” Governor Otti said investing in Abia State offers a wide range of opportunities and benefits for investors.
“We are open to engage with anyone who has what it takes to support our development vision from the standpoint of value creation. Our interest is extensively on value addition,” the governor said.

He noted that his administration has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure and human capital development in order to accelerate economic growth and promote investments across multiple sectors.
“Our goal is to grow the economy by incentivising investments on multiple fronts, and I am glad to see several well-known players represented here,” Otti said.
He emphasised that restoring business confidence requires deliberate investments in road infrastructure, security and other critical factors that create a conducive business environment.

The governor also stated that Abia possesses several competitive advantages, including favourable tax policies, improved security, large markets, predictable income levels in urban centres and a strong pool of skilled and unskilled labour.

During the event, stakeholders took turns to present goodwill messages and share investment proposals.

The Director of Kojo Motors Nigeria, representing the Chery Automobile brand, Mr. Chukwudolu Umeobi, announced the company’s interest in partnering with the Abia State Government under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to establish an electric vehicle assembly plant in the state.

He said the investment would help improve transportation and logistics while supporting environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.
Also speaking, the National Team Leader of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, highlighted the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation, stressing that adequate financing is needed to address climate challenges.

He cited the Abia State Green Shuttle Bus Initiative as a positive step towards environmentally friendly transportation and climate resilience.

On behalf of the Aba business community, Chief David Ogba Onuoha commended Governor Otti for his efforts to revitalise business activities in the state.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Mrs. Nonye Rajis-Okpara, also praised the governor’s initiatives, noting that they serve as strong signals of encouragement to potential investors.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on PPP & Investments Promotion, Chief Jon Green-Amakwe, expressed appreciation for Otti’s visionary leadership and commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

He said the administration’s policies are positioning Abia as a destination for global investment.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, said the state government has adopted four key reform pillars—transparency, institutional discipline, infrastructural renewal and private sector-led growth.

He added that the business roundtable was designed as a practical platform for dialogue between government and the private sector to drive economic transformation in the state.

According to him, the forum is not merely ceremonial but part of a broader strategy to build a stronger, more competitive economy.

The one-day maiden Business Roundtable featured technical presentations and interactive sessions, with Governor Otti personally moderating discussions and responding to questions raised by participants.