Abia State Moves To Unveil Industrial Policy, Urban Renewal, And Investor-Friendly Reforms

• In a decisive push to accelerate economic growth and strengthen investor confidence, the Abia State Government (ABSG) has commenced the process of establishing a comprehensive industrial policy for the state.
  The move, aimed at deepening the ease of doing business and creating a more conducive environment for residents and prospective investors, has led to the constitution of a committee charged with drafting and delivering the policy framework.
  The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu explained that the industrial policy has become imperative in view of the sweeping transformation and institutional reforms undertaken by the administration over the past 31 months.
“Abia State Government believes the time has come to put in place an industrial policy that will deliberately drive the industrial development of the state,” he said.
“The state, through its Ease of Doing Business Agency, has made remarkable progress in improving the business environment. In the coming weeks, when the policy is ready, it will be publicly unveiled.”
He noted that the new industrial policy, combined with a more enabling business climate, would attract investments, unlock development opportunities, effectively market Abia’s vast potential, and strengthen its comparative advantages in resource availability and management.
The Commissioner further revealed that the state government is intensifying urban renewal initiatives in alignment with the Abia Development Plan (2025–2050). These initiatives will be driven by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), and Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA).

According to him, the programme targets critical infrastructure reforms, including standardized street naming, house numbering, and geo-referencing, to promote orderliness, improve security, enhance service delivery, and stimulate economic growth.
“Today, finding a specific address in many of our cities can take up to an hour because streets are not properly named or numbered,” Prince Kanu said.
“This creates confusion and hampers planning, security response, logistics, and digital services. Clear addresses are fundamental to a modern city.”
He stressed that standardized street naming and house numbering would not only improve emergency response—such as during fire outbreaks—but also create an orderly urban environment that inspires investor confidence.
As part of the initiative, the state government will soon appoint a project manager to oversee and drive the implementation of this critical programme.
On infrastructure development, Prince Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Works carried out direct labour interventions in 49 locations across the state within the review period. Of these, three projects have been completed, one new project has been added to the maintenance basket, while 31 road projects are currently under contract and progressing at various sites.

He also reported that the pilot rollout of the state’s electric bus services is running smoothly, with residents continuing to enjoy free rides. According to him, no fewer than 77,774 Abians have benefited from the initiative so far, with the figure still rising.