The Abia State Government has reiterated its determination to build a more business-friendly environment and attract greater investment opportunities as it hosted the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop in Umuahia.

Speaking during the workshop at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the state has made remarkable strides in governance, infrastructure, security, and ease-of-doing-business reforms under the current administration.

Emetu, who also serves as the State Chairman on Ease of Doing Business, praised PEBEC for its sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s business climate and strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments.

According to him, since taking office in May 2023, Governor Alex Otti’s administration has implemented a broad reform programme focused on rebuilding public trust, strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, and creating conditions that encourage business growth.

He noted that significant investments have been made in the reconstruction of roads linking commercial centres, industrial areas, markets, and communities across the state. These projects, he said, have enhanced connectivity, reduced transportation costs, and increased investor confidence.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted several technology-driven initiatives introduced by the government, including digital transformation programmes and reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, regulatory efficiency, and public service delivery.

Among the administration’s notable achievements, he identified the “Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days” initiative as a major milestone. He revealed that more than 4,407 Certificates of Occupancy have been issued since May 2023, exceeding the total number issued by previous administrations over the past 24 years.

Emetu further disclosed that the state has introduced digital land administration systems, established Citizens Engagement Centres, launched One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, and created an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local businesses and boost export activities.

He added that the government has employed over 5,300 teachers and more than 600 healthcare workers to strengthen human capital development and improve service delivery across the state.

While acknowledging the progress achieved so far, he stressed that reform is an ongoing process and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that encourage investment, drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to accelerate economic transformation and create a more attractive investment climate nationwide.

She conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving competitiveness and unlocking investment opportunities across the country.

Audu stated that sustainable economic growth depends on coordinated efforts at all levels of government to promote enterprise, productivity, and inclusive development.

She also noted that investors are more inclined to invest in states with stable policies, dependable infrastructure, and efficient institutions, adding that improving the competitiveness of states is vital to Nigeria’s economic future.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business, Barr. Agbonma Jennifer Ukaobasi, said the state government remains committed to eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and implementing reforms that support business growth and investment.

She explained that the workshop was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies while gathering feedback from stakeholders on issues such as regulation, infrastructure, taxation, and other factors influencing business development.

Ukaobasi highlighted Abia’s impressive improvement in the national Ease of Doing Business rankings, noting that the state moved from 32nd to 11th position. She also disclosed that Abia recently qualified for a World Bank facility after meeting key performance benchmarks.

She reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to position Abia as Nigeria’s leading destination for business through continuous reforms, active stakeholder engagement, and enhanced service delivery.

The workshop featured a series of presentations on business-friendly reforms, investment competitiveness, and strategies for strengthening investment delivery systems across states.

Presentations were delivered by Mr. Iheanyi Icheke; Mr. Iheanyi Ofudu Raymond on the One-Stop Shop initiative; Barr. Ifunanya Chidiebere on Access to Justice and Commercial Dispute Resolution, Small Claims and the Multi-Door Courthouse System; and Gabriel Oluemil on the Harmonisation of Levies, Fees, and Regulatory Charges.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation and preview of PEBEC’s ongoing reform programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business throughout Nigeria.