The Deputy Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the State Ease of Doing Business Council, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, says, Otti’s administration has pursued an ambitious reform agenda since assuming office in May 2023.
Emetu stated this on the occasion of PEBEC’s Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop held in Umuahia.
The state government he said, has focused on rebuilding public trust, strengthening institutions, enhancing security, improving infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for businesses and investors.
According to Emetu, Otti’s administration has recorded notable achievements in land administration, digital governance and investment facilitation, citing the issuance of “Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days, establishment of One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, deployment of digital platforms for land administration, creation of Citizens Engagement Centres and the launch of an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local enterprises and expand export opportunities”.
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.
Earlier, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to drive sustainable economic transformation in Nigeria.
She informed, “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, ‘investors are more likely to commit resources to states with stable policies, reliable infrastructure and effective institutions”.
She described improved subnational 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.
