….as Abia-Turkish investment summit expects investors from Turkey, other countries .
Former senator representing Abia Central, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, has assured local and foreign investors that Abia State is now one of the safest places to do business in Nigeria.
Speaking at an investment meeting held recently in Abuja, Nwokocha said the state has recorded major improvements in security, governance and investor confidence under Governor Alex Otti.
He praised the current administration for creating an environment where government officials are now confident to engage investors anywhere in and outside the state.
According to him, “I think the governor is doing well. Why I can say that he’s doing well, when you talk about legacy, I don’t believe that legacy has to do with infrastructure, buildings, roads and whatever. No.
“The major thing I think that has to do with legacy is spreading. Will you be able to produce people that can think out of the box to manage whatever thing you are going to put on ground? That’s a very great legacy.”
He added that the confidence shown by the governor’s adviser in organising the the Abia-Turkiye Investment Summit, was proof of the administration’s commitment to growth and transparency.
Nwokocha stressed that security of investment remains a top priority for businesses and explained that Abia State has put strong structures in place to guarantee land security, financial confidence and business support.
He said past difficulties in securing a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria no longer exist in Abia, noting that the process has become easier and faster.
He noted: “All those things, the governor is putting them together to make sure that those four elements (land, money, machine and man) are handy, they are effective and they are secure.”
Highlighting his experience as a former member of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate, Nwokocha said he could confidently assess government performance.
He described Abia’s central location as an advantage for businesses, saying the state is only a few minutes away from Rivers, Akwa Ibom and other economically strong states in the region.
He added that gas and other key economic resources needed for industrial growth are already available in Abia.
Nwokocha added that Abia is not limiting its partnerships to foreign countries alone, stating that the country is ready for partnership.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership, Chief Jerome Green-Amakwe, said the state is preparing for a major investment summit to attract businesses from Turkiye, Europe and Nigeria.
He told participants that more than 21 Turkish investors have already registered for the summit, expected to bring together key players from various sectors.
According to him, “Security in the state is top-notch and investors have no reason to fear. 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.”
He added that the state government is working closely with the military, police and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability.
The summit, organised by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, has the theme: “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity.”
Green-Amakwe said Abia is hosting Nigeria and the world with the goal of encouraging foreign firms to establish strong investments in the state.
“It is our belief that through this partnership with Turkiye, they will establish many firms in Nigeria,” he said.
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