Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, said Imo state is now investment-friendly courtesy of his Shared Prosperity and 3R administrative mantra administration wrapped up with certain strategic reforms.
Uzodimma said this during the flag off of the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC Nationwide to Imo State/ SABER Technical Session and Statewide Town Hall Meeting held at a top hotel in the state. The governor was represented by the state’s deputy governor, Dr Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, and the event was graced by various dignitaries and think tank members of the state.
The governor pointed out that the digitalisation of business registrations, improved land registration administrations, construction of a network of roads, power and energy, air transportation, job creation, health, education, good, visionary and welfare-oriented governance, micro, small and medium-scale enterprises, among other socioeconomic reforms has made the state very friendly and conducive for business.
“We have equally prioritised efficiency and transparency through the State Investment Promotion Agency (SIPA), making it easier for businessmen and women to interact with the Government.”
“This effort alone earned the state government a reward of N6.8 billion from the World Bank in 2024” Uzodimma said.
Uzodimma added that his administration has embarked on certain infrastructural projects and revamped security in the state, attracting investors and boosting existing small and medium enterprises in the state.
“The provision of patrol vans to the police with other logistics support to all the security agents in the State and the collaboration with community policing and vigilante groups have helped to restore the security of the State, building confidence among both local and international investors.
“Because of the return of peace and stability in the State, the hospitality businesses are favourably competing with other sectors. Owerri is today considered the Hospitality Capital of Nigeria because of the vibrant nightlife, robust entertainment businesses, peace in the State and its proximity to all South Eastern and South Southern States.
“We have also invested in the education of our people, giving them opportunities to making informed business decisions” He stated.
The Imo state governor explained that the state’s industrial policies are geared towards creating an enabling environment for business, living, and investment. The industrial policies are made up of interventionist programs like tax waivers, fast-track permits, land allocation and security, as well as support for Oil and gas, the Digital economy, Real estate and the Agro industry.
Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Hon.Chuck Chuckuemeka, hailed the program as an interventionist program organized in collaboration with the World Bank, Nigeria’s governorship forum, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, PEBEC, Debt Management Office and the Ministry of Finance. He maintained that the goal of the initiative was to boost SMEs in the state and attract investors.
Governor Hope Uzodimma will later in the year give a presentation on Imo State in pain, outlining the development achieved by the state and how his administration pulled it off. The Governor is currently on his second tenure after securing a landslide victory in the polls in 2023.
