December 8, 2025
Imo State took center stage on Thursday as Governor #HopeUzodimma declared the 2025 Imo Economic Summit a landmark moment in the State’s development trajectory, unveiling an ambitious vision to reposition Imo as Nigeria’s newest investment frontier under the theme “Investment Meets Opportunities.”
Addressing a distinguished global audience, Governor Uzodimma said Imo State had entered a new era of economic transformation, driven by strategic reforms, massive infrastructure expansion, and a pro-business environment designed to attract and protect investments. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for economic reforms that he said “seamlessly align with Imo’s aspiration” to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s push for a $1 trillion economy.
The Governor outlined key competitive advantages propelling Imo’s emergence as an investment hub, including:
• The largest proven natural gas reserves in West Africa
• A robust and fast-growing agricultural value chain
• Over 120 newly constructed strategic roads across the State
• A transformative 24-hour power supply plan through the Light Up Imo Project
• Digitised land administration via the Imo Land Information Centre (ILIC)
• The ongoing dredging of the Orashi River to the Atlantic to boost maritime trade
• The One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI) promoting grassroots enterprise development
“Imo State is ready to house your investments,” Uzodimma declared, urging local and foreign investors to tap into what he described as the State’s “unfolding economic renaissance.” He emphasized that Imo’s growth strategy spans agriculture, hydrocarbons, commerce, technology, and legal reforms, anchored on transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
The Governor praised the warm hospitality culture of Imo people, which he said “enables investments to flourish,” while reaffirming the State’s commitment to maintaining a stable fiscal regime that guarantees investor confidence.
He extended appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support. “Every investment made in Imo is secured, guaranteed, and positioned for growth,” the Governor said.
• Global Leaders Rally Behind Imo’s Economic Agenda
The summit attracted world leaders, top financiers, industrialists, diplomats, and policymakers, all of whom pledged support for the State’s economic vision.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, hailed the Governor for leveraging federal reforms and championing an independent power project capable of delivering uninterrupted electricity — which he described as “the real game changer” for Imo’s industrial future.
Former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, emphasized Africa’s rising role in global climate policy and called for greater inclusion of women and girls in leadership, employment, and governance.
“Give women and girls equal opportunities, decent jobs, and participation in decision-making,” he urged, noting that appointing Amina J. Mohammed as UN Deputy Secretary-General was “one of my best decisions.”
Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, praised Nigeria as “the most exciting investment prospect” due to its youthful population and vast potential. He applauded Uzodimma’s push for 24-hour electricity, describing Imo’s economic vision as “absolutely fantastic.”
He dismissed negative global narratives about Nigeria’s security, saying:
“I feel perfectly safe here.”
Former Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, reaffirmed strong partnership with Imo State, pledging technical and financial support for the Orashi River dredging and the proposed multibillion-naira petrochemical testing centre at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, declared the Dangote Group’s readiness to become “one of the biggest investors in Imo State,” assuring the Governor of collaboration across strategic sectors.
He noted that Dangote Fertiliser Limited is set to become the world’s largest fertiliser plant by 2028, increasing production from 3 million to 12 million tonnes.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, described Nigeria as “a power hub in the making,” stressing the need for strong African leadership to harness youth potential.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, praised the industriousness of the Igbo people.
“Ndigbo are the greatest stakeholders in the Nigerian project… If you don’t see an Igbo man where opportunities abound, you better run.”
The high-level summit was attended by diplomats, global investors, business moguls, traditional rulers, religious leaders, financial institutions, and political leaders.
Among them were APC National Chairman Yetawoh Nantewah, former Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the Federal Executive Council, federal lawmakers, and top officials of the Imo State Executive Council.
The 2025 Imo Economic Summit marks the State’s most significant investment dialogue in decades and signals a bold push towards accelerated growth, industrial competitiveness, and sustained economic diversification.