FIC Report (Imo State) – The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has reiterated the importance of stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in building a more competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly economy capable of accelerating job creation and sustainable economic growth.
This position was reinforced during the PEBEC Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop held in Owerri, Imo State, where government officials, legislators, reform champions, and private sector stakeholders gathered to assess ongoing reform efforts and identify practical measures for improving the ease of doing business.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reforms that enhance Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and attractiveness to investors. She noted that sustainable economic transformation requires strong collaboration between Federal and State Governments, stressing that investors are drawn to environments characterised by policy clarity, efficient institutions, quality infrastructure, and predictable regulatory frameworks.
The Director-General commended Imo State’s investment potential and urged stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at improving investment visibility, eliminating administrative bottlenecks, strengthening service delivery, and effectively projecting the state’s comparative advantages to both local and international investors. She noted that global competitiveness is increasingly determined not only by available opportunities but also by how effectively those opportunities are communicated and managed.
In his opening remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Hon. Chuck Chukwumeka, highlighted the reform agenda of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, noting that the government has implemented strategic measures to improve investor confidence and create a more conducive business environment.
According to him, the administration has prioritised regulatory efficiency, streamlined administrative processes, reduced bureaucratic delays, and strengthened institutional coordination to facilitate seamless engagement with government agencies. He added that these reforms form part of a broader strategy to position Imo State as a preferred destination for investment across critical sectors of the economy.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, represented by Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies and legal frameworks that enhance the state’s investment climate. He cited key legislative interventions, including amendments to Investment Promotion Laws, the enactment of the Public-Private Partnership Law, the legal backing of the Electricity Law, and other measures designed to improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence, and expand economic opportunities.
Declaring the workshop open, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to positioning Imo State as a leading investment destination through strategic reforms, infrastructure development, and sustained collaboration with Federal institutions.
The Deputy Governor highlighted key government initiatives, including the Orashi Electricity Project, which has delivered 24-hour power supply to beneficiaries in its first phase, the development of the Orashi Free Trade Zone, ongoing digital transformation programmes, and the Imo SkillUp Initiative, which has equipped over 60,000 youths with digital and technical skills.
She commended PEBEC for its sustained efforts in advancing business environment reforms across the country, noting that the Council’s objectives align with the state’s vision of enhancing ease of doing business and attracting sustainable investments.
Speaking during the workshop, the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Barr. Emeka Mgbudem, outlined the state’s plans to establish the 140,000-hectare Orashi Special Energy Response/Regulated Zone, envisioned as Nigeria’s largest energy and industrial hub. He said the initiative would leverage the state’s abundant gas reserves to drive industrialisation, attract investment, expand clean energy access, and position Imo as a major energy destination.
Mgbudem disclosed that Imo State holds more than 23 per cent of Nigeria’s proven gas reserves and offers investors significant cost advantages. He added that plans are underway to develop gas-powered industrial clusters, an inland port on the Orashi River, and other strategic infrastructure projects, noting that more than 80 investors have already expressed interest in the initiative.
The Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi, stated that the state has recorded significant progress in improving the ease of doing business through targeted digital reforms, infrastructure expansion, and technology-driven governance. He explained that the administration has deliberately streamlined processes, enhanced transparency, and created a more efficient environment that supports investment, innovation, and enterprise growth.
Amadi noted that the reforms align with PEBEC’s objectives and have contributed to strengthening investor confidence in the state. He added that the visibility generated through the Imo Economic and Investment Forum has further showcased the state’s vast opportunities to local and international investors, reinforcing Imo’s emergence as a digital-first destination for business, investment, and sustainable growth.
The engagement featured a morning technical session for government officials and reform implementers, followed by an afternoon private sector stakeholders engagement session, which provided a platform for direct interaction between government institutions and the business community on regulatory reforms, service delivery improvements, and investment opportunities.
During the morning technical session, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, led a presentation on “Understanding the Investment Lifecycle and Improving Investor Experience.” She highlighted the importance of a well-structured business environment in attracting and retaining investment, stressing that efficient processes and predictable regulations are key to enhancing investor confidence and supporting economic growth in Imo State.
PEBEC South-East Team Lead, Mr Gabriel Ohiemi, alongside Reform Leader Mr Ifeanyi Icheke, also provided detailed insights into the parameters for ease of doing business assessments, reform implementation strategies, and regulatory impact analysis, underscoring the importance of evidence-based reforms in driving economic competitiveness.
The afternoon private sector stakeholders engagement session featured a panel discussion on reform challenges and opportunities, bringing together key government institutions responsible for investment facilitation, infrastructure development, revenue administration, and business regulation.
During the interactive session, the Director-General of PEBEC encouraged private sector stakeholders to openly identify operational challenges, regulatory bottlenecks, and service delivery constraints affecting their businesses, emphasising that continuous stakeholder feedback remains critical to achieving meaningful and sustainable reforms.
Heads of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Barr. Emeka Mgbudem; Commissioner for Power and Rural Electrification, Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti; Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi; Director-General of the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency (ISIPA), Prof. Jude Nzeako; and representatives of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Barr.Angela Agams responded to questions, provided clarifications, and outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing the state’s business environment.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen reform implementation, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, institutionalise business-friendly policies, and sustain the momentum of reforms required to position Imo State as a competitive destination for investment, enterprise growth, and inclusive economic development.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO/ANIPR
12/6/2026
