Abia to Host Maiden Business Roundtable Summit March 5

The Abia State Government has concluded arrangements to host its maiden Abia Business Roundtable Summit under the current administration on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at Government House, Umuahia. He was joined by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public Private Partnership Office and Investment Promotions Office, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke.

Kanu said the summit is designed to attract key industrial players and business leaders from across the country. The event will hold at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout.

According to him, the roundtable aims to foster collaboration between government and the private sector by providing a platform for constructive engagement. He noted that the initiative would enable business leaders to contribute to policy formulation and help shape the state’s business environment and economic development strategy.

“This is the first summit of its kind in Abia under this administration. It is geared towards building a collaborative framework where the business community can engage government, address challenges, and contribute to shaping policies that affect the business climate,” Chijioke added.

The DG disclosed that registration for the summit is strictly by invitation. Interested participants can request the registration link by sending a text message or WhatsApp message to 0808-660-8448.

“We are targeting active business players generating between N50 million and over N1 billion annually. Upon expression of interest, details will be reviewed and invitations issued. We want employers of labour and key drivers of the Abia economy to participate in this meeting with the governor,” he said.

Chijioke also outlined the structure and functions of the PPP and Investment Promotions Office, noting that its responsibilities are grouped under three major areas: investment promotion, investment facilitation, and aftercare and advocacy.

“Investment promotion is akin to marketing, facilitation is like sales, while aftercare and advocacy represent after-sales services. This government-business roundtable falls under aftercare and advocacy,” he explained.

Kanu further stated that the summit, which will be presided over by Governor Alex Otti, will create an opportunity for participants to outline their needs and understand measures already put in place by the government to support businesses.

“It will provide a fertile ground for exchange of ideas. Participants are being drawn from across the country, and discussions will focus on issues of common interest,” he said.

Speaking further, Chijioke emphasised that the summit is intended to establish a structured platform for sustained engagement between the government and the business community.

“In both developing and developed economies, the private sector drives economic growth, while government provides an enabling environment. This summit is about strengthening that collaboration,” he stated.