December 8, 2025
Vice President Kashim Shettima has identified Imo State as a major pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive and a state positioned for rapid development in technology, gas utilisation, agro-industrial processing and small and medium-scale enterprises. Speaking in Owerri at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, he stressed that the Federal Government is committed to supporting Imo through access to financing from the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria, alongside active Public-Private Partnerships in housing, transportation and renewable energy.
According to him, national prosperity must be driven by states taking responsibility for their own economic direction. He stated, “Nations do not rise because one corner of the map ascends while others remain dormant. Nations rise when every part discovers its promise and takes responsibility for its own economic direction.” The Vice President said Imo State holds strategic importance in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms aimed at stabilising the business environment and unlocking long-term economic expansion. He noted that the summit’s theme, Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation, strongly aligns with the reform agenda to build a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy nationwide.
“All these possibilities converge to remind us that Imo is not just ready for investment. Imo is primed for transformation,” the Vice President declared. He highlighted priority sectors capable of driving growth, including Free Trade Zones, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, expanded gas utilisation and growth in digital infrastructure to attract ICT firms and promote a modern, knowledge-driven economy. Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investor confidence, promising that private investments will continue to be de-risked through consistent policy direction. He told investors, “The Federal Government stands ready to walk with Imo State to unlock opportunities, de-risk promising ventures and ensure that the benefits of development are felt across communities. To investors here today, the message is unmistakable: Imo is open for business. Nigeria is open for business.”
He stressed that global competitiveness is shaped by innovation, talent and technology rather than natural resources alone, urging Imo to place innovation at the centre of its development agenda. The Vice President disclosed that government programmes are ongoing to support young innovators, deepen digital skills, strengthen tech clusters and promote research collaboration with universities. “The young people of Imo are creative, ambitious and connected to the global knowledge economy. Our duty is to give them the tools, the platforms and the confidence to build the future that awaits them,” he said. Shettima projected that Imo has the capacity to become a technology hub, a contributor to national GDP, a magnet for the creative economy and a centre for SMEs and industrialisation if resources and partnerships are properly mobilised. He also urged stakeholders to embrace execution. “Let this Summit not end with good ideas alone. Let it lead to signed partnerships, funded projects and measurable outcomes that uplift lives and create jobs,” he challenged participants.
In his welcome speech, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, commended President Tinubu for reforms that he said are reshaping the investment landscape. He noted that Imo has aligned early with these reforms to take the lead in regional development. According to him, his administration has leveraged the state’s unique landmass and natural resources to create a business-friendly environment. “We are blessed with the largest game reserve estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet. So, for those looking for business in gas exploration and utilization, Imo State is the destination,” the Governor said. Uzodinma added that Imo also possesses resources such as lead, zinc, crude oil and cotton, and emphasised that agriculture remains its mainstay as the heartland of Eastern Nigeria. He pointed out that Imo ranks as the 3rd highest in human capital development index in the country. The Governor coined a new meaning for the state name, describing Imo as a place where Investment Meets Opportunities and businesses find traction.
The first female elected President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, speaking at the event, encouraged Africa to claim its place in the global market. She described Nigeria as a powerhouse with a responsibility to lead the continent’s development direction. Gurib-Fakim expressed optimism about Africa’s future, saying Nigeria’s rising economic activity and youth opportunities are signs of hope. She pledged to bring investors in renewable energy to explore opportunities in Imo.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, in his goodwill message, emphasised that private sector participation is critical for investment development. He applauded Governor Uzodinma for taking key steps to reposition the state’s economy. Edun noted that Nigeria’s economy is already showing measurable progress, pointing out that growth under President Tinubu is higher than it was more than a decade ago and that further progress will become visible soon.
Former United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, addressed the gathering and described the summit as one of great significance. He stressed the need to tackle global uncertainty and noted that initiatives like the Imo Investment Summit can support a more peaceful society. Moon highlighted that Africa is central to solving global challenges, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “Without addressing the challenges Africa is facing, we would not say we have a sustainable world,” he stated, requesting a special technology fund for the continent. He added that implementing the summit resolutions will enhance socio-economic development in Imo and transform the state into an investment hub.
The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, also gave a goodwill remark. He praised the policies of the Tinubu administration, saying they encourage businesses and investments. Dangote urged Nigerian investors to commit more investment at home and assured Governor Uzodinma that Dangote Industries will be among the biggest investors in Imo.
Immediate past Executive Vice President of AFREXIM Bank, Mr Benedict Oramah, revealed that the bank is building a multi-million-dollar facility in Imo to support the production and export of quality standard products for global markets. He commended the Governor for opening up the state through the Orashi River dredging and the establishment of the special economic zone project.