By – Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture is one of the vibrant Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria.
In this interview with Africa Press, the President of the Chamber, Chidi Aruoma, stated that his leadership has initiated various efforts to invite foreign investors to Nigeria, particularly to Abia State.
He also discusses some of the new infrastructure and incentives put in place by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to make the state an attractive destination for investors.
The entrepreneur also speaks about how the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce has established relationships with countries like Turkey, Indonesia, Tunisia, and Bangladesh in its bid to create more opportunities for Nigeria’s economy.
Excerpts:
African Press: Let’s talk about the issues surrounding the development of investment opportunities that you have been traveling around the world to bring to Nigeria, including Abia State.
President, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce: Well, you see, it’s all about marketing. You need to market yourself so people know you exist. If they don’t know you, nobody comes to you.
So, what we did in the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce in the last two years, including 2024, was to make people aware that there is a place called the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, and that there are many business opportunities they can tap into.
It’s not just about the name, but today, we are working on many initiatives. Last year, the Tunisian ambassador visited Abia State, and we are still working on solidifying that relationship.
This year, we are planning to bring more Tunisian investors to Abia State and explore collaboration opportunities, especially in the areas of waste management, agriculture, real estate development, and renewable energy.
We are also considering construction projects. These investors are willing to come and invest in our dear Abia State.
Additionally, we are pleased that our governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has demonstrated himself to be an investment-friendly leader.
African Press: Investment-friendly governor? Can you elaborate?
President, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce: He is investment-friendly. First of all, it’s not just about what you say but what you do.
His Excellency’s priority is making Abia a home for all. Today, there are good roads in Abia, and he is also developing the infrastructure needed to support trade and investment. So, when you visit Abia, you can see these improvements firsthand.
Do you also know that Abia State is home to several historical and cultural landmarks? The Long Juju of Arochukwu, the Wooden Cave of Wakama, and the Asamabala River, which changes color, are all located in Abia State. Have you heard about the Slave Trade Route in Abia? There are numerous historical sites in Abia, and if you don’t visit, you won’t see them. This is why we invite investors to come and explore the vast potential of Abia State.
The government, under Alex Otti, will definitely make things easy for those who want to invest in Abia State.
African Press: Abia State is known for its industrialization. What do you have to say in this regard?
President, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce: What cannot be produced in Abia State does not exist. We make shoes, we make clothes, and we even export them, only for them to be re-imported back to us.
Did you know that in Abia, we manufacture boots for NYSC members, the army, and many other organizations? Abia is an industrial hub, and we can produce so many things. This is why I encourage you to visit Abia and see for yourself why we are the number one state in Nigeria.
We are friendly and welcoming. If you are looking for an investment-friendly environment, come to Abia, where doing business is easy. We make things work.
African Press: How about the Independent Power Plant recently commissioned in Aba?
President, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce: Yes, Aba is also part of Abia. For instance, you should know that there is an Aba Chamber of Commerce, just as there is an Umuahia Chamber of Commerce.
Whatever projects the Aba Chamber and Umuahia Chamber undertake, we are doing them for the benefit of Abia State.
We stand together, working hard to support the government by filling in the gaps where needed. As the organized private sector, we create employment opportunities.
We are the backbone of the private sector, and we have what it takes to assist the government in harnessing our business potential.
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