Bridge to the Southeast: Governor Otti Convenes “Abia Business Roundtable”

UMUAHIA — In a strategic move to reposition Abia State as a premier investment destination, the state government has announced the “Government Meets Business: Abia Business Roundtable.” Scheduled for March 5, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, the summit will be presided over by Governor Alex Otti, marking a significant shift toward institutionalizing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the state.

The Director-General of the Abia State PPP and Investment Promotion, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, disclosed that the forum is designed to move beyond “optics” and address the “policy instability” that has historically hindered private sector growth in Africa.

The Three Pillars of Abia’s Investment Strategy

The DG outlined a structured framework for how the state now engages with the private sector, comparing the process to a modern corporate sales funnel:

1. Investment Promotion (Marketing): Aggressively showcasing Abia’s competitive advantages to local and international investors.

2. Investment Facilitation (Sales): Streamlining the transition from proposal to operational reality, ensuring that documentation and due process are met.

3. Aftercare and Advocacy (After-Sales): The Roundtable serves as a platform for existing businesses to voice industry-specific challenges directly to the Governor and policymakers.

Strict Due Process: Ending the “Proposal Era”

A key highlight of the briefing was the administration’s departure from informal investment “connections.” The DG revealed that the state has recently turned away investors who could not provide basic documentation, emphasizing that land acquisition now follows a rigorous five-step process:

• Community Consent: Ensuring local buy-in.

• Enumeration & Survey: Precise mapping of the investment site.

• Valuation & Compensation: Ensuring communities receive fair value for their land.

Inclusivity: From Blue-Chips to Market Traders

Addressing concerns about elitism, the PPP office confirmed that the roundtable has specifically accommodated Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

• Market Leadership: Leaders of various market associations have been invited to represent grassroots operators.

• Simplified Access: There are no “rigid documentation” hurdles for registration; any legitimate business person can apply to attend.