Imo Is Open for Business, Uzodimma Tells Global Investors at Invest Lagos

Governor Hope Uzodimma has declared that Imo State is fully prepared to welcome both local and international investors, unveiling a broad range of reforms and infrastructure projects aimed at positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing investment destinations.

Speaking at the third edition of Invest Lagos 3.0, themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa,” held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, on Monday, the governor said his administration has deliberately transformed Imo into a business-friendly environment where private enterprise can flourish.

Addressing investors, policymakers, development partners and business leaders at the summit, Uzodimma said the state has moved away from the traditional model in which government acted as the primary driver of economic activity, choosing instead to create conditions that allow the private sector to lead growth and job creation.

“When I speak of IMO, I often say it means Investment Meets Opportunities (IMO),” the governor said.

“We have repositioned government as an enabler rather than an operator of business, creating the right environment for private-sector growth and sustainable economic development.”

According to him, the transformation began shortly after he assumed office in 2020, with a series of strategic reforms targeted at infrastructure renewal, energy development, security enhancement and investment facilitation.

Uzodimma highlighted the extensive road construction projects undertaken across the state, describing improved connectivity as a key pillar of his administration’s economic agenda. He noted that the government has also implemented electricity sector reforms that now allow Imo to generate, transmit and distribute power through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

The governor said the state’s Energy Free Trade Zone has emerged as a major attraction for investors, particularly in sectors such as petrochemicals, fertiliser manufacturing, gas processing and other energy-related industries.

“With our abundant natural gas reserves and strategic policy direction, Imo is positioning itself as a major energy and industrial hub in Nigeria,” he stated.

Uzodimma further disclosed that his administration has introduced a range of investor-friendly policies, including tax reforms, streamlined business registration processes and incentives designed to encourage investment and industrial expansion.

He added that the state has digitised its land administration system, making land acquisition and documentation more transparent, efficient and accessible for investors.

The governor also pointed to significant improvements in security architecture across the state, saying enhanced safety measures have helped restore investor confidence and create a more stable environment for businesses.

As part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural value chain, Uzodimma revealed that the African Development Bank is establishing a Quality Assurance Centre in Imo State to support agricultural exports and improve the competitiveness of local produce in international markets.

He also highlighted ongoing plans to develop the Orashi River corridor, a project expected to boost logistics, transportation and access to regional and international markets while unlocking new economic opportunities for businesses operating in the state.

Beyond traditional sectors, the governor showcased investments in aviation, technology and hospitality as evidence of Imo’s evolving economic landscape.

He cited the ongoing upgrade of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, the development of the Imo Digital City project and plans by Hilton Hotels to commence operations in Owerri as major milestones in the state’s economic transformation agenda.

According to Uzodimma, the Imo Digital City initiative has already trained more than 65,000 young people in various digital skills, with many beneficiaries securing employment opportunities or establishing technology-driven enterprises.

He described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital aimed at preparing the state’s workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

“Our vision is to build a knowledge-driven economy where innovation, technology and entrepreneurship serve as key drivers of growth,” he said.

The governor further emphasized Imo’s geographical advantage, noting that its location between the commercial centres of Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt provides businesses with direct access to some of the largest markets in Southern Nigeria.

He said this strategic positioning makes the state an attractive gateway for trade, manufacturing and industrial development.

“Overall, doing business in Imo State has become easier, more secure and more profitable,” Uzodimma told the gathering.

“Seeing is believing, and I invite investors from across Nigeria and around the world to come and experience firsthand the vast opportunities available in Imo State.”

The summit also featured remarks from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who described Lagos as Nigeria’s most successful economic story, attributing its growth to visionary leadership, institutional continuity and long-term development planning.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, host of the event, reaffirmed Lagos State’s ambition to become Africa’s leading investment destination, highlighting major infrastructure projects, a thriving technology ecosystem and plans to establish the Lagos International Financial Centre as a key gateway for capital flows into Africa.