Governor Uzodimma Reaffirms Commitment to Business Reforms, as PEBEC holds 2026 Workshop
By Iheanyi EnweremÂ
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses and investments as he officially declared open the 2026 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop in Owerri.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Governor welcomed participants and commended PEBEC for its sustained efforts in driving reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving regulatory efficiency, and enhancing transparency across Nigeria’s business landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Ekomaru highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to attract investments through strategic policies and infrastructure development. She cited the Orashi Power Project, which currently provides 24-hour electricity to areas covered under its first phase, as one of the administration’s major achievements in supporting business growth.
She noted that under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership, Imo State has continued to implement reforms and investments in road infrastructure, security, power supply, and digital transformation to position the state as a preferred destination for investors.
According to her, these initiatives are creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, generate employment, and contribute to the economic prosperity of the state.
The Deputy Governor urged participants to engage actively during the workshop by sharing experiences and proposing practical solutions that would further strengthen the business climate in Imo State and Nigeria. She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to improving Nigeria’s business environment and strengthening institutions that support economic growth.
Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Audu, conveyed goodwill messages from President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. She described Imo State as a land of immense investment opportunities and stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in advancing business reforms.
Audu challenged Imo State to strategically position itself in sectors where it enjoys comparative advantages and to deliberately showcase its investment potential to the global community.
Representing the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, praised PEBEC for its commitment to economic reforms and ease of doing business. He noted that the Assembly had enacted several business-friendly laws, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Law and the Imo Electricity Law, to support the economic agenda of the Uzodimma administration.
“Imo has moved from merely seeking investments to creating an environment that attracts investors,” Ojukwu stated.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the state had made significant progress in strengthening business institutions and attracting investors, particularly following the 2025 Imo Economic Summit.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Hon. Chuck Chukwuemeka, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in driving economic growth. He noted that the state government has continued to invest in infrastructure development to make Imo an attractive destination for businesses and investments.
He maintained that while rankings are important, the state’s primary focus remains on delivering tangible benefits to investors, entrepreneurs, and residents through sustained economic development.
The event was attended by members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Works, Chief Ralph Nwosu; Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Henry Okafor; Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Barr. Godswill Mgbudem; alongside other stakeholders and participants from across the country.