Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has intensified efforts to attract local and foreign investments, unveiling a package of incentives that includes a 10-year tax holiday for startups, elimination of multiple taxation, improved transport infrastructure, and expanded electricity supply.
Speaking to prospective investors at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit in Lagos, Uzodimma said his administration had deliberately repositioned Imo State as a competitive investment destination where businesses can establish integrated value chains from raw material extraction to manufacturing and marketing.
According to the governor, strategic reforms, infrastructure development and investor-friendly policies have created a conducive environment for industrial growth and economic expansion in the state.
“Through deliberate policy reforms, strategic infrastructure investments, and an enabling business environment, we have positioned Imo State as a premier destination for investment and industrial growth, where investors can extract raw materials, process them, and market finished products; all within Imo State,” Uzodimma stated.
The governor highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and reducing logistics costs for businesses operating in the state.
He said access to Imo State has been significantly enhanced through an extensive road construction programme, the ongoing upgrade of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, and the dredging of the Orashi River to facilitate water transportation and commerce.
“Access to Imo State is now seamless by road, through our ongoing road revolution projects; by air, through the remodeling and upgrade of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport; and by sea, through the dredging of the Orashi River,” he said.
Uzodimma noted that the state’s Industrial Policy Framework is designed to support enterprise growth, stimulate manufacturing activities and improve competitiveness.
He disclosed that startups and new businesses are entitled to a 10-year tax holiday, while measures have been put in place to eliminate multiple taxation and reduce the cost of doing business.
The governor also pointed to developments in the power sector as a major attraction for investors.
According to him, the establishment of the Orashi Electricity Company has enabled the state to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, resulting in improved power supply, particularly within the municipal area.
“Through the Orashi Electricity Company, Imo now generates, transmits, and distributes power, delivering 24-hour electricity in the Municipal City and expanding statewide,” he said.
Uzodimma stressed that reliable electricity remains a critical component of his administration’s strategy to support industrialization, attract manufacturing investments and boost productivity.
He maintained that the combination of improved infrastructure, power availability and business-friendly policies has positioned Imo State as an emerging economic hub in the South-East region.
The governor therefore invited investors, industrialists and development partners to explore opportunities across key sectors of the state’s economy.
“I extend a warm invitation to investors, industry leaders, and development partners across the world to explore the vast opportunities that abound in Imo State. Our State is open for business, our policies are investor-friendly, and we remain committed to creating shared growth and prosperity for all,” Uzodimma added.
His remarks come amid growing competition among Nigerian states to attract private capital and position themselves as destinations for industrial investment, infrastructure development and job creation.
