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 on Friday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the state capital, attracted a large gathering of participants from different professions, occupations and investment groups from within and outside the state.

Speaking at the event, 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.”

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the PPP & IP Office and convener of the roundtable, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, said the forum was organised to directly interface with stakeholders and investors.

He reaffirmed the Abia State Government’s commitment to building a business environment where innovation thrives, industries expand and businesses scale regionally and globally under the “New Abia” vision.

According to Chijioke, the business roundtable forms part of the deliberate 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 and obtaining feedback that will shape policies capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development in the state through a private sector-led economy.

“Public-private dialogue is therefore not optional but crucial in shaping reforms for a more prosperous business environment,” he said.
Governor Otti, in his address titled “Opportunities, Partnership and Prosperity,” 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 strongly focused on value addition,” he said.

The governor noted that his administration has continued to invest massively in infrastructure and human capital development in order to accelerate economic growth and attract investments across multiple sectors.

“Our goal is to grow the economy by incentivising investments on multiple frontlines, and I am glad to see several well-known players represented here,” Otti added.

He emphasised that restoring confidence in businesses requires deliberate investments in road infrastructure, security and other factors that create a conducive business environment.

According to him, Abia State enjoys 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.

Some participants at the event also delivered goodwill messages.

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

He said the project would improve transportation and logistics while promoting environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.

Also speaking, the National Team Leader of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, emphasised the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation, noting that adequate financing is required to address climate challenges.

He cited the Abia State Green Shuttle Bus Initiative as a programme that supports environmentally friendly transportation and climate resilience.

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

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Mrs. Nonye Rajis-Okpara, also praised the governor’s achievements, noting that they serve as strong signals encouraging investors to consider Abia State.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on PPP & IP, Chief Jon Green-Amakwe, commended Otti’s visionary leadership and commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while positioning Abia as a destination for global investment.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, disclosed that the state had embarked on four key pillars of reform: transparency, institutional discipline, infrastructural renewal, and private sector–led growth.