The Abia State Government has taken a major step toward long-term economic transformation with the passage of its 25-year development plan into law, even as more than 76 Indian investors signal interest in the Enyimba Economic City (EEC) in Aba.
Speaking at the Abia Think Tank Association (ATTA) symposium themed “Renewed Nigeria’s Economic Resurgence: Is Abia Prepared?”, Governor Alex Otti said the state is positioning itself as a prime investment destination by strengthening the ease of doing business and creating a conducive environment for investors.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the governor described the development plan as a landmark legislative framework that guarantees policy continuity irrespective of changes in administration.
“This is a bold and strategic move. As a legislative document passed by the Abia State House of Assembly, any attempt to alter it must go through due legislative processes. It secures a clear development trajectory for the next 25 years and demonstrates Abia’s readiness to leverage emerging global economic opportunities,” he said.
Ajagba noted that tangible progress is already evident across the state. Between the third quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2024, Abia attracted $150.9 million in investments, ranking third after Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.
He further revealed that the establishment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Board in October 2024 has significantly boosted investor confidence while ensuring due diligence in project selection.
“Many proposals have been received, and we are carefully screening them to ensure credibility. This process is critical in preventing land speculation disguised as investment,” he added.
According to him, the state is finalising a $200 million investment partnership with Cresco PLC, alongside ongoing efforts to revive key industries and attract private capital. These initiatives, he said, are expected to generate employment and significantly increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product.
On ease of doing business, Ajagba highlighted a steady improvement in Abia’s ranking, from between 32nd and 34th position in 2022 to 21st in 2024, and now approaching the top 10.
Delivering the keynote address, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji, commended the state’s leadership, noting that Abia is aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic recovery trajectory.
“Nigeria is rising again. Key indicators, GDP growth, foreign direct investment, inflation trends, and stock market performance,are all moving in the right direction. States that have matched this momentum with strong governance are already seeing results, and Abia is one of them,” he said.
However, Orji cautioned that global economic conditions remain volatile, citing trade tensions, slowing global growth, and energy market disruptions as critical risks.
He pointed to emerging opportunities, particularly in supply chain diversification and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could significantly benefit Abia.
“With the Enyimba Economic City, Aba’s manufacturing base, and its strategic location, Abia is well positioned to capture new industrial investments. Over 76 Indian companies have already expressed interest in manufacturing within the EEC,” he noted.
Other speakers, including former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, and financial experts such as Johnson Chukwu and Sam Onukwue, also lauded the Otti administration’s economic vision and reforms.
They emphasized the need for sustained investment to boost employment and internally generated revenue, while urging continuity in governance to consolidate ongoing gains.
Participants at the symposium expressed strong support for the governor’s leadership, with many advocating for policy continuity beyond the current administration.