The Abia State Government has reiterated its determination to create an enabling environment for businesses and attract more investments as it hosted the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop in Umuahia.

Speaking during the event at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the state has made notable progress in governance reforms, infrastructure development, security improvements, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business.

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 an extensive reform programme focused on rebuilding public trust, strengthening institutions, upgrading infrastructure, and creating conditions that support business growth.

He explained that the government has invested significantly in the reconstruction of roads linking commercial centres, industrial areas, markets, and communities across the state. These projects, he noted, have improved connectivity, reduced transportation costs, and increased investor confidence.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted technology-driven security measures, digital transformation initiatives, and reforms designed to improve transparency, regulatory efficiency, accountability, and public service delivery.

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

Emetu further revealed that the state has introduced digital land administration platforms, established Citizens Engagement Centres, created One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, and launched an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local enterprises and expand export opportunities.

He added that the government has recruited 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 gains already recorded, the Deputy Governor stressed that reform is an ongoing process and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to policies that encourage investment, drive innovation, generate employment, and improve the quality of life for residents.

In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, called for deeper collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments to achieve sustainable economic growth and create a more attractive investment climate across Nigeria.

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

Audu stated that lasting economic prosperity depends on coordinated action at all levels of government to promote enterprise, productivity, and inclusive development.

She noted that investors are more inclined to invest in states with stable policies, dependable infrastructure, and efficient institutions, adding that strengthening subnational competitiveness is essential 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 focused on eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and implementing reforms that support business growth and investment.

She explained that the engagement provided an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and gather feedback from stakeholders on issues relating to regulation, infrastructure, taxation, and other factors affecting business operations.

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

She reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to position Abia as Nigeria’s preferred destination for business through sustained reforms, stakeholder collaboration, 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.

One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation and preview of PEBEC’s reform initiatives and activities aimed at improving the ease of doing business across Nigeria.