Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, at Invest Lagos 3.0, has said the state is now open to both local and foreign investors as it continues to improve in key areas such as infrastructure, security, electricity, and business regulations.
He spoke at the third edition of Invest Lagos 3.0 held in Lagos, where leaders and business stakeholders gathered to discuss investment opportunities across Africa.
Uzodimma explained that his government has moved away from directly running businesses and now focuses on creating a conducive environment that enables private companies to grow and operate easily.
He said this approach has helped the state attract more attention from investors in recent years.
He also listed ongoing reforms since 2020, including road construction, improved security operations, digital land systems, and policies to make business registration and operations easier.
The governor added that the state now handles electricity generation, transmission, and distribution through a public-private arrangement.
He said this has helped improve the power supply in some areas while opening doors to energy-related investments, such as gas processing and petrochemicals.
Uzodimma also noted that Imo has created special investment zones and tax policies to encourage companies to set up operations in the state.
He said the government is also working to improve logistics through the development of river transport and better trade routes.
According to him, the African Development Bank is setting up a quality assurance centre in the state to support farm produce meant for export.
He also mentioned ongoing upgrades at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport and plans for a new hotel and digital projects in the state capital, Owerri.
He further said over 65,000 young people have been trained in digital skills under the Imo Digital City programme, with many now working or running tech-related businesses.
Uzodimma added that Imo’s location near major commercial cities such as Onitsha, Aba, and Port Harcourt gives it an advantage in trade and industrial activities.
He said the state has become safer and easier for business operations and invited investors to explore the available opportunities.
