The Abia State Government has announced that it will host an “Abia Business Roundtable” on Thursday, 5 March 2026, as part of efforts to deepen engagement with the private sector and stimulate economic growth.
The high-level forum is designed to foster the exchange of ideas between government and business leaders from across the country as well as strengthen collaboration aimed at improving the state’s investment climate.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Friday at Government House, Umuahia, during a joint press conference with the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public Private Partnership Office and Investment Promotions Office, Mr Chinedum Chijioke, organised to herald the roundtable, which will take place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Prince Kanu stated that the roundtable, to be presided over by Governor Alex Otti, will provide a strategic platform for meaningful dialogue between the State Government and the organised Private Sector.
He noted that key issues relating to business growth, investment opportunities and policies to enhance the ease of doing business in Abia would form the core of discussions.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that during the roundtable, both parties will discuss issues of common interest.
“The business roundtable will provide a platform for government and requisite MDAs to exchange ideas with members of the business community.They are being drawn from all over the country.
“It will provide them the opportunity for them to tell us what they need, and what the government has in place for the business community.
“So it promises to be a very fertile ground for exchange of ideas,” Prince Kanu stated.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public Private Partnership Office and Investment Promotions Office, Mr Chinedum Chijioke said the Abia Business Roundtable with the Governor would commence at 10.00 a.m., adding that the initiative is intended to create a structured engagement framework between government and the private sector.
“The idea is to create a platform for the government to engage the business community.
A platform for the business community and the government to collaborate and address issues of common interest.
“As you may be aware, across the globe, in developing economies or in developed economies, or in economies that are doing well, the private sector drives the economy.
“What the government does is to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to be able to drive the economy”, he said.
Mr Chijioke stressed the need for a sustainable forum where the business community can contribute to policy formulation and address operational challenges.
“And by so doing, you provide the business community a platform to be part of shaping government policies as it relates to the business environment and the business climate.
“So, this, being the first of its kind in Abia, under this administration, will be a platform geared towards creating that collaborative structure for the business community to engage the government on issues of common interest, address challenges, and give them the opportunity to shape policies of the government as it relates to the business environment and economic development”, he added.
Mr Chijioke disclosed that business leaders are being drawn from diverse sectors and across different scales of operation nationwide.
He said that registration for participation is open via a publicly available link, while interested participants may also request the registration link by sending a text message or WhatsApp message to 0808-660-8448.
According to him, participation is strictly by invitation upon successful registration and verification.
“We want those who are active players, who are employers of labour, who are driving the economy of Abia to come and have this meeting with His Excellency”, Mr Chijioke stated.
He explained the mandate of the PPP and Investment Promotions Office, noting that its operations are structured under three key pillars of investment promotion, investment facilitation, and aftercare and advocacy.
Mr Chijioke described the forthcoming roundtable as part of its aftercare and advocacy function.
The Director-General of the Abia State Public Private Partnership Office and Investment Promotions Office, Mr Uchenna Nnaomah, was also present at the press conference.
