Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that the Federal Government is committed to partnering with Imo State to boost investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth across key sectors.
Speaking on Thursday at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, themed “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation”, Shettima said the Tinubu administration is determined to work with the state government to unlock economic prospects and deliver sustainable development.
“Imo is not just ready for investment; Imo is primed for transformation,” Shettima declared. “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.”
The vice president identified Imo as a key pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification plan, citing opportunities in technology, gas utilisation, agro-industrial processing, and small and medium-scale enterprises. He stressed that national prosperity requires every state to take ownership of its economic direction.
Shettima urged Imo to adopt innovation as the foundation of its growth strategy, noting that global competitiveness now depends on technology, talent, and creativity. He highlighted ongoing federal programmes to empower young innovators, expand digital-skills training, strengthen tech clusters, and support the creative economy.
“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 outlined priority sectors for Imo’s resurgence, including Free Trade Zones, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, expanded gas utilisation, and robust digital infrastructure to attract ICT firms. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investor protection, policy stability, and structured public-private partnerships in housing, transport, and renewable energy.
The summit drew global and local leaders who praised Imo’s economic direction and pledged support. Attendees included Governor Hope Uzodimma, former President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Finance Minister Wale Edun, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, industrialist Aliko Dangote, and representatives of AFREXIM Bank.
