The Abia State Government has announced plans to introduce a comprehensive industrial policy aimed at driving sustainable industrial development and attracting investment to the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Executive Council meeting held on Monday and chaired by Governor Alex Otti. According to him, the government believes the time is ripe to put in place a structured industrial framework that will unlock Abia’s economic potential.
Kanu said the proposed industrial policy, combined with the state’s improved ease of doing business environment, would position Abia as an attractive destination for investors. He noted that the state’s ease of doing business agency has made significant progress in creating a more investor-friendly environment.
“Consequently, a new industrial policy together with a very conducive ease of doing business environment will help attract investors and development to the state,” he said. “The policy will help the state market its potential while strengthening its comparative advantages in resource availability and management.”
To actualise the policy, Kanu revealed that the state government has constituted a committee to oversee the drafting process, adding that the policy would be unveiled in the coming weeks.
He also announced the commencement of an addressing infrastructure programme as part of the state’s urban renewal agenda. The initiative will focus on street naming, house numbering, and geo-referenced addressing to promote order, improve service delivery, and stimulate economic growth.
“Our streets are not well named and not well numbered, and that creates confusion. This initiative is designed to address that gap,” Kanu explained.
He further disclosed that the government has concluded plans for a long-term development plan spanning 2025 to 2050, stressing that proper addressing systems are critical for planning, security, emergency response, logistics, and digital services.
According to him, the project will be managed by the Greater Aba Development Authority, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, and Greater Ohafia Development Authority, with a project manager to be appointed soon.
Kanu added that the Ministry of Works is currently executing direct labour projects in 49 locations across the state, while over 77,000 residents have benefited from the state’s green shuttle bus services since inception.
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