FG ready to partner with Imo to boost investment, drive economic growth — Shettima
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Imo State to expand investment opportunities and fast-track economic development, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2025 Imo State Economic Summit in Owerri, Shettima said the Tinubu administration sees Imo as a key player in Nigeria’s push toward a diversified and innovation-driven economy.
The summit with the theme “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation.”
The vice president described the state as one of the country’s emerging economic engines, noting its growing strengths in technology, gas utilisation, agro-processing, and small and medium-scale enterprises.
He added that Imo has advanced to a point where investors should view it not merely as promising, but ready for sustained economic expansion.
According to Shettima, the Federal Government is prepared to collaborate with Imo to de-risk viable projects, open doors for investment, and ensure that local communities fully enjoy the benefits of development.
He stressed that both Imo and Nigeria at large remain open for business.
Shettima emphasised that Nigeria’s overall economic progress depends on every state taking charge of its developmental path.
He argued that no nation can thrive if growth is concentrated in only a few regions while others lag behind.
He urged state leaders across the country to create homegrown solutions, build strong institutions, and attract industries capable of bringing long-term prosperity to their populations.
The vice president highlighted the increasing importance of technological advancement in global competition.
He encouraged Imo State to anchor its economic strategy on innovation, talent development, and digital capacity-building.
Shettima revealed that the Federal Government is already rolling out programmes designed to empower young inventors, expand digital training opportunities, strengthen tech hubs, and support Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
He added that Imo’s youth possess the creativity and ambition needed to succeed in the global digital marketplace provided they receive the tools and support necessary to thrive.
Shettima listed several sectors capable of accelerating Imo’s economic rise, including free Trade Zones, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, Expanded gas utilisation for industries and households, Strengthening of digital infrastructure to attract ICT companies.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investor protection, consistent policies, and partnerships with the private sector in housing, transportation, and renewable energy.
Access to capital through institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria, he said, remains a central part of the national support strategy.
The summit drew participation from prominent local and international figures who praised Imo’s development agenda.
Among the dignitaries present were Governor Hope Uzodimma; former President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; Minister of Finance Wale Edun; former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; industrialist Aliko Dangote; and representatives of African financial institutions, including AFREXIM Bank.
