In a bold move to accelerate economic transformation and attract strategic investments, the Abia State Government has convened a high-level Business Roundtable, bringing together policymakers, investors, and captains of industry to chart a new course for sustainable economic growth.
The maiden Abia Business Roundtable 2026, themed “Government Meets Business: Where Vision Meets Enterprise,” held at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube, Umuahia, served as a direct engagement platform between government and the private sector.
Declaring the event open, the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, announced that the state is fully open for serious-minded entrepreneurs and investors ready to partner in building a thriving economy.
Governor Otti explained that the roundtable forms part of his administration’s deliberate strategy to strengthen collaboration with the business community and create policies that will drive sustainable economic growth through a private sector-led economy.
Speaking on the theme “Opportunities, Partnership and Prosperity,” the governor assured investors that Abia offers enormous opportunities for profitable investment across multiple sectors.
“Our interest is extensively on value addition. We are open to engage further with anyone who has what it takes to support our development vision from the standpoint of value creation,” Otti said.
“The summary of my presentation is that investing in Abia offers an extensive bouquet of benefits.”
He highlighted the significant investments his administration has made in infrastructure and human capital development, noting that such investments are designed to create a solid foundation for businesses to thrive.
“We have continued to invest in infrastructure and human capital development, and the trajectory of the state is no longer up for speculation,” the governor stated.
“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.”
Governor Otti further stressed that restoring confidence in the business environment requires deliberate improvements in road infrastructure, security, and other critical enablers that support enterprise growth.
He also pointed out that Abia possesses several competitive advantages including favourable tax policies, improved security architecture, large markets, predictable income levels among urban households, and a vast pool of skilled and unskilled labour.
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribeole, said the state has embarked on a deliberate reform journey anchored on four key pillars — transparency, institutional discipline, infrastructural renewal, and private sector-led economic growth.
According to him, the business roundtable was not a ceremonial gathering but a practical platform designed to deepen dialogue between government and investors.
“Sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved by government pronouncements alone. It requires alignment between policy, investment capital, governance, and enterprise,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public Private Partnerships and Investment Promotion Office, Chinedu Chijioke, who convened the event, said the roundtable was organised to hear directly from investors and stakeholders on how to build a more competitive business environment.
He emphasised that the Abia State Government remains committed to creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives, industries expand, and businesses scale regionally and globally from the “New Abia.”
“Public-private dialogue is not optional; it is essential to shaping reforms for a more prosperous business environment,” Chijioke stated.
The roundtable also witnessed expressions of investment interest from industry players. The Director of Kojo Motors Nigeria, representing the Chery automobile brand, Chukwudolu Umeobi, revealed that the company is exploring a partnership with the Abia State Government to establish an electric vehicle assembly plant under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
He explained that the initiative would improve transportation and logistics while supporting environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.
In a related contribution, the National Team Leader of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, underscored the need for increased financing to address climate change mitigation and adaptation, while commending the governor’s Green Shuttle initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by business leaders including David Ogba Onuoha, who spoke on behalf of the Aba business community, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Nonye Rajis Okpara. Both applauded the governor for convening the roundtable, noting that the signals coming from Abia are increasingly encouraging for investors.
In his vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on PPP and Investment Promotion, J. N. Green-Amakwe, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and commitment to building an enabling environment for businesses.
The Business Roundtable featured technical presentations and interactive sessions with the governor and his economic management team, attracting dignitaries, investors, and industry leaders from across Nigeria.
The event marks a significant step in Abia State’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a premier destination for investment and inclusive economic prosperity.
