The Abia State Government (ABSG) has announced plans to convene a high-level Abia Business Roundtable on Thursday, March 5, 2026 in a bold move to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector and position the state as a prime investment ddestination.
The strategic engagement, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, will be presided over by Governor Alex Otti and is expected to draw leading business figures from across Nigeria.
The announcement was made at the Government House Umuahia during a joint press briefing by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, alongside the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public Private Partnership Office and Investment Promotions Office, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke.
Prince Kanu described the Roundtable as a dynamic platform designed to foster open dialogue between the state government and key players in the business community.
According to him, the initiative will enable both parties to exchange ideas on policies, business needs, and investment opportunities that will accelerate economic growth in Abia.
“The business roundtable will provide a platform for government and requisite MDAs to exchange ideas with members of the business community drawn from all over the country. It promises to be a fertile ground for exchange of ideas,” Prince Kanu stated.
He added that discussions would centre on practical strategies to enhance the ease of doing business in the state and unlock investment potentials capable of attracting both local and foreign investors.
In his remarks, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke emphasized that the initiative aligns with global best practices where the private sector drives economic expansion, while government creates the enabling environment.
“Across the globe, in developing or developed economies that are doing well, the private sector drives the economy. What government does is to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive,” he said.
He explained that the Roundtable would provide business leaders the opportunity to contribute directly to shaping government policies affecting the business climate and economic development of Abia State.
Describing it as the first of its kind under the current administration, Mr. Chijioke said the forum is structured to create a sustainable collaborative framework for addressing challenges and identifying growth opportunities.
Mr. Chijioke disclosed that registration for the event is already ongoing and participation will be strictly by invitation after due registration and verification.
Businesses across various revenue categories, from enterprises generating ₦50 million annually to those recording over ₦1 billion — are being considered to ensure broad-based representation.
Interested participants can register through the designated link or by contacting the dedicated mobile line: 0808-660-8448 via SMS or WhatsApp to receive further instructions.
“We want active players , employers of labour and drivers of Abia’s economy to sit with His Excellency and engage meaningfully,” he noted.
Explaining the mandate of the PPP & Investment Promotions Office, Mr. Chijioke outlined its three core functions:
Investment Promotion (marketing Abia as an investment destination),
Investment Facilitation (supporting and guiding investors), and
Aftercare & Advocacy (ensuring sustained support and policy engagement).
He noted that the Abia Business Roundtable falls under the aftercare and advocacy pillar, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to maintaining productive relationships with investors and entrepreneurs.
The Director General of the PPP Office, Mr. Uchenna Nnaomah, was also present at the press conference.
The upcoming Roundtable signals Governor Alex Otti’s resolve to institutionalize structured dialogue with the private sector as a cornerstone of economic reform. Observers see the initiative as another strategic step in repositioning Abia as a competitive, business-friendly state in Nigeria.
With expectations high and participation drawn from across the country, the March 5 Business Roundtable is poised to mark a defining moment in Abia’s economic transformation journey.
