PEBEC, Abia Government Advocate Deeper Reforms To Boost Investment And Economic Growth

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Abia State Government have reiterated the need for sustained reforms, stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, and a more enabling business environment to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth across Nigeria.

Speaking at the PEBEC Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to business-friendly reforms, declaring that Abia remains open to investment, partnerships, and economic prosperity.

Representing Governor Alex Otti, Emetu welcomed the PEBEC delegation, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and government officials to the workshop. He commended the council for promoting collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments in efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment.

He noted that since assuming office in May 2023, the Otti administration has pursued an ambitious reform agenda focused on strengthening institutions, restoring public confidence, improving infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

According to the Deputy Governor, the administration has invested heavily in critical infrastructure, particularly the reconstruction of roads linking commercial centres, industrial clusters, markets, and communities across the state, thereby improving connectivity and boosting investor confidence.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen security through technology-driven initiatives, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency collaboration, describing Abia as increasingly safer and more attractive to investors.

Emetu stated that the government has embraced digital transformation by modernising government processes, expanding fibre-optic infrastructure, digitising key public services, and promoting data-driven governance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He identified land administration reform as one of the state’s most significant achievements, citing the introduction of the “Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days” initiative.

“Since May 2023, this administration has issued more than 4,407 Certificates of Occupancy, exceeding the cumulative number issued by previous administrations over the preceding 24 years,” he disclosed.

He explained that the initiative has strengthened property rights, improved access to finance, enhanced investor confidence, and reinforced transparency and efficiency in land administration.

The Deputy Governor further revealed that the state has deployed digital platforms for land administration, established a Citizens Engagement Centre, created One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, and launched an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local businesses and expand export opportunities.

On human capital development, Emetu said the government has recruited over 5,300 teachers and more than 600 healthcare workers while expanding opportunities for skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

While acknowledging the progress made, he stressed that reform remains a continuous process and assured participants that the state government would continue to deepen policies that attract investment, stimulate innovation, create jobs, and improve living standards.

Earlier, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to build a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.

She conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and noted that his administration is implementing one of the most ambitious economic reform agendas in Nigeria’s recent history.

According to Audu, sustainable economic growth can only be achieved when all tiers of government work together to create a seamless investment environment that rewards enterprise, promotes productivity, and expands opportunities for citizens.

“The future of Nigeria’s economy will not be determined in Abuja alone. It will be shaped in our states, cities, industrial clusters, farms, innovation hubs, and local government areas,” she said.

She stressed that investors ultimately make decisions based on the attractiveness of individual states, adding that policy consistency, infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, and ease of doing business remain critical factors in attracting investment.

The PEBEC Director-General further highlighted the importance of supporting both existing and emerging businesses, while underscoring innovation, research, and technology as essential drivers of competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

She explained that the nationwide subnational engagement tour is designed to strengthen partnerships between the Federal Government and state governments, promote business-friendly reforms, and unlock the vast investment potential across Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Ease of Doing Business, Hon. Barr. Jennifer Agbonma Okorafor Ukaobasi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investors, stimulating economic growth, and increasing internally generated revenue.

Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Ukaobasi, said her office was established to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that businesses operate in a conducive environment.

According to her, the Ease of Doing Business Office serves as a bridge between government institutions and the private sector, working to remove regulatory obstacles that hinder business growth while encouraging investments that can create jobs and expand the state’s tax base.

“The objective is to make Abia attractive to investors. When businesses come and thrive, they create jobs, increase economic activities, expand the tax net, and contribute significantly to economic growth,” she said.

She explained that the PEBEC engagement provides an opportunity for government officials and private sector stakeholders to assess the state’s progress in creating an enabling business environment. She noted that feedback from businesses and investors helps government identify areas requiring further reforms, including regulatory frameworks, taxation, and infrastructure.

Highlighting the state’s achievements, she disclosed that Abia has made significant progress in the national Ease of Doing Business rankings.

“Abia was previously ranked 32nd among the 36 states of the federation. Through deliberate reforms, we moved to 21st position, and by last year, we rose to 11th place. Governor Alex Otti has given us a clear mandate to attain the number one position, and we are working diligently towards achieving that goal,” she stated.

She further revealed that Abia recently qualified for the disbursement of a World Bank-supported loan after meeting key reform indicators, describing the achievement as evidence of the state’s commitment to business-enabling reforms.

The SSA explained that engagements with PEBEC, the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), and the World Bank occur regularly throughout the year. These engagements include the development of Business Enabling Reform Action Plans, mid-year progress reviews, and stakeholder consultations aimed at strengthening the state’s reform agenda.

Beyond these formal engagements, she said her office conducts regular awareness campaigns, workshops for civil servants, and consultations with organised private sector groups to ensure alignment with the state’s ease of doing business objectives.

On accessibility, Ukaobasi, disclosed that her office is located on the third floor of the JAAC Building in Umuahia, occupying Rooms 304 to 306. She also noted that the state has established three One-Stop Shops to provide streamlined services for business registration, formalisation, and other investor-related processes.

She encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking government support or information on formalising their businesses to take advantage of the services provided through her office and the One-Stop Shops across the state.

The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, members of the organised private sector, business leaders, and policy experts to deliberate on strategies for improving investment competitiveness and strengthening business-enabling reforms across the country.

Participants expressed optimism that the collaboration between PEBEC and state governments would further accelerate reforms aimed at making Nigeria a preferred destination for investment, enterprise, and sustainable economic development.

Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
04/06/2026