Abia State has underscored its fundamental commitment to establishing a secure and conducive environment for international capital, emphasizing that investor safety is a top governmental priority.
This assurance was delivered by Jerome Green-Amakwe, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership, during a pre-summit event in Abuja for the upcoming Abia-Turkey Investment Summit and Product Exhibition.
The summit, themed “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity,” is scheduled to take place from November 25th to November 27th in Umuahia, and is organized by the State’s Ministry of Trade and Commerce. It aims to convene business leaders and investors from Turkey and various European nations to explore high-potential commercial opportunities within Abia.
Guaranteeing Security and Stability
Green-Amakwe explicitly addressed security concerns, positioning Abia as a significantly stable destination within the South-East region. He affirmed the robust security apparatus in place, leveraging cooperation with the Nigerian military, police, and other relevant agencies to maintain a low incidence of adverse reports.
“Our objective is to host Nigeria and the global community, ensuring investors find compelling reasons to establish enterprises here,” Green-Amakwe stated. He noted that the partnership with Turkey is expected to result in the establishment of several new firms, adding that over 21 Turkish investors have already registered for the event as corporate and individual entities.
Former Senator for Abia Central, Darlington Nwokocha, echoed this confidence, guaranteeing investors that the necessary variables for business success—including security and a high probability of return on investment (ROI)—are firmly in place. He highlighted Abia’s advantageous central location and proximity to other states as a key logistical benefit for incoming businesses.
Financial Confidence and Support
The financial community also voiced strong support for Abia’s potential. Carl Akwarandu, General Manager and Zonal Head at Zenith Bank Plc, attested to Abia’s favorable financial statistics, calling it one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.
Akwarandu confirmed Zenith Bank’s commitment to partnership, citing the credibility of the state government and the personal guarantees provided by the administration to honor investor promises.
“Abia is unequivocally open for business,” he stated, assuring that the bank will provide crucial financial advisory services and necessary funding to ensure sustainable returns for investors.
The summit is designed not just to benefit the diaspora, but to also create a commercial impact that ultimately reaches the over 200 million citizens of Nigeria.
