Otti Administration Highlights Investment Reforms at PEBEC National Engagement
The Abia State Government has highlighted major strides in governance reforms, infrastructure renewal, investment promotion and ease of doing business as it hosted the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop in Umuahia.
The event brought together government officials, business stakeholders and development partners to review ongoing reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s investment climate and strengthening sub national competitiveness.
Speaking at the workshop held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the State Ease of Doing Business Council, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the administration of Governor Alex Otti has pursued an ambitious reform agenda since assuming office in May 2023.
He noted that the government has focused on rebuilding public trust, strengthening institutions, enhancing security, improving infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for businesses and investors.
Emetu said the administration has recorded notable achievements in land administration, digital governance and investment facilitation, citing the “Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days” initiative as a landmark reform. According to him, more than 4,407 Certificates of Occupancy have been issued since May 2023, exceeding the cumulative number issued in the previous 24 years.
He added that the government has established One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, deployed digital platforms for land administration, created Citizens Engagement Centres and launched an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local enterprises and expand export opportunities.
The Deputy Governor further disclosed that the state has invested heavily in the reconstruction of roads linking commercial centres, industrial clusters and communities, while also implementing technology-driven security initiatives and digital transformation programmes to improve transparency, accountability and service delivery.
He added that over 5,300 teachers and more than 600 healthcare workers have been recruited to strengthen human capital development and improve public services across the state.
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While acknowledging the progress made, Emetu stressed that reform is a continuous process and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to policies that attract investment, promote innovation, create jobs and improve the quality of life for residents.
In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to drive sustainable economic transformation.
She conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and noted that the Federal Government is implementing far-reaching economic reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness and unlocking investment opportunities across the country.
Audu emphasized that economic prosperity depends on coordinated efforts across all levels of government, adding that investors are more likely to commit resources to states with stable policies, reliable infrastructure and effective institutions.
She described improved sub national competitiveness as essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and development.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business, Barr. Agbonma Jennifer Ukaobasi, said the state remains committed to eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and implementing reforms that make doing business easier.
She explained that the workshop provided an opportunity to assess existing policies and obtain stakeholder feedback on regulatory processes, taxation, infrastructure and other factors affecting business growth.
Ukaobasi highlighted Abia’s rise from 32nd to 11th position in the national Ease of Doing Business rankings and disclosed that the state recently qualified for a World Bank facility after meeting key performance indicators.
She reiterated the government’s determination to position Abia as Nigeria’s preferred destination for investment through sustained reforms, stakeholder engagement and improved service delivery.
The workshop featured technical presentations on business-enabling reforms, investment competitiveness and strategies for strengthening investment delivery frameworks across states. Resource persons including Mr. Iheanyi Icheke, Mr. Iheanyi Ofudu Raymond, Barr. Ifunanya Chidiebere and Gabriel Oluemil delivered presentations on the One-Stop Shop initiative, access to justice and commercial dispute resolution, small claims procedures, the multi-door courthouse system, and the harmonization of levies, fees and regulatory charges.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation and preview of PEBEC’s ongoing reform initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business and enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
