Abia Government Douses Fears Of Insecurity Ahead Investment Summit

The Abia State government has assured local and foreign investors of a secure environment ahead of the forthcoming Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition scheduled to hold later this month in Umuahia.

Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership, Chief Jerome Green-Amakwe, said in Abuja on Saturday that preparations for the summit were in top gear, with at least 21 Turkish investors already registered to participate individually and as corporate entities. He added that Nigerian investors were also gearing up for the event.

According to him, Abia has created a friendly and reliable investment climate, underpinned by strong security measures. “Security in the state is top notch and investors have no reason to fear,” Green-Amakwe said. “I can tell you that in the whole of the South East—let me not say the entire Nigeria—there is no place as safe as Abia State. We are working with the Nigerian military, the police, and all security agencies, so Abia is very safe.”

He noted that the summit, being organised by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, is themed “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity” and aims to deepen economic collaboration between Abia and foreign partners, particularly Turkiye. “It is our belief that through this partnership, they will establish many firms in Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, former Senator representing Abuja Central, Darlington Nwokocha, reinforced the message of safety and readiness, saying Abia possesses all the essential economic factors required for business to thrive. “Abia is secure for investment; you are sure of your return on investment,” he stated. He highlighted the state’s strategic location and proximity to major markets as added advantages.

Nwokocha stressed that the expected outcomes of the summit would extend beyond diaspora engagement, ultimately benefiting “more than 200 million Nigerians who will also have the stamp of Abia.”

General Manager and Zonal Head of Zenith Bank Plc, Carl Akwarandu, expressed the bank’s confidence in Abia’s investment prospects, describing the state as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations based on available financial indicators. He said Zenith Bank would work closely with the state government due to its trust in Governor Otti’s leadership.

“Abia is open for business. We have a personal guarantee from the government that whatever they promise investors, they will get. So your investment is safe,” he said.

Akwarandu added that the bank would provide financial advisory support and funding to ensure that investors enjoy sustainable returns.

With the state government intensifying security and economic reforms, officials say the summit offers a platform for genuine investment opportunities as Abia positions itself as a preferred destination for local and international investors.