Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said the state’s economic ambition is not to rival Lagos as a mega city within the next 15 years but to position itself as a viable alternative destination for businesses and investors.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, Otti stressed that Nigeria’s economic growth should not be concentrated in Lagos alone, arguing that other states must develop their economies to ease pressure on the nation’s commercial capital.
The governor commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating a platform that allows states to showcase their investment potential.
“It takes a lot of selflessness to invite other states to take advantage of a platform to market themselves, and I assure you I will not demarket you as I market myself,” Otti said.
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While acknowledging Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial hub, Otti said the country’s development would benefit from the emergence of additional economic centres.
“Lagos is a mega city. If you ask me, I would say it is overpopulated, and that is why it is good for other states to begin to grow, so that they can take what Lagos cannot take. And that’s where we come in. We can’t be a mega city in the next 10 years or 15 years, but there are things we can take off Lagos,” he stated.
Making a pitch to investors, Otti highlighted reforms in Aba, Abia’s commercial centre, noting that the city now enjoys uninterrupted electricity supply.
He also revealed that the Ariaria International Market has been transformed into a 24-hour market, a move he said is boosting commerce and productivity.
According to the governor, his administration is focused on creating a business-friendly environment through improved infrastructure, reliable power supply and investor-friendly policies.
Otti added that strengthening state economies across the country would not only reduce pressure on Lagos but also promote balanced national growth and development.
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