Accepted that some people feel it is proper to give the new government sometime to solidify on its promises, especially on rebuilding Aba, before raining encomium on Governor Ikpeazu; nonetheless, the governor’s immediate actions have not left anyone in doubt as to his commitment in keeping his word to the people of Abia state.
Focused on improving the living standard of every resident in the state, Governor Ikpeazu, poised to ensure that his campaign promises materialise from words into concrete infrastructure, more security, and, respect to the state civil servants that are the engine of government, has without doubt, started well.
From setting up of the office of Aba Urban Renewal, inaugurating the construction of seven roads in Aba to cutting down by 50 per cent his salary and travel allowance, the governors actions are based on the vision of opening up the state for business through the repositioning of Aba as Nigeria’s SME capital. An economic team is working tirelessly to help realise this vision.
For those who still see refuse dumps in Abia, Governor Ikpeazu’s vision to transform the state into a centre of commerce where business is conducted seamlessly, and in a secure and clean environment, has kicked off. Beneath the piles of dirt are great opportunities recognised by the new government. In no distant future Abia would be one of the cleanest states in Nigeria, and among the biggest contributors to the national coffers by virtue of its increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Work is ongoing, and structures are being laid. The government has commenced an Integrated Payroll Verification System aimed at checking the menace of ghost workers in the state; while tax collection has been stopped until the tax system is automated and harmonised.
The Abia State Economic Advancement Team which is chaired by the governor, has been tasked with the job of increasing the states monthly IGR profile from the current average of N350 million to N1.5 billion within the next one year. In carrying out this task, the team will focus less on new taxes while channelling more energy towards plugging existing leakages.
In an effort to meet the new IGR benchmark of N1.5 billion, there are existing structures the new government would build upon. For instance, when the new Umuahia City, designed to include sophisticated malls, recreational parks, housing estates, and an International Conference Centre capable of boosting the states revenue through tourism is amplified with the rapid rebuilding of Aba, Abia state will wear a new look.
With a total seating capacity of about 9,000, that includes a main hall, four conference halls and a banquet hall, the centre is complete with a VIP lounge, gallery, offices and a huge parking space. A lot of revenue would be generated by the new government from this building that would be hosting some of the biggest events the country has ever seen.
In the South-east, before the centre in Umuahia, there were no good places to hold conferences of world class standard. The International Conference Centre, when fully functional would fill the gap and be what the Calabar International Convention Centre is to the state of Cross River.
The centre is digital, with advanced information technology such that events can be recorded and the signal beamed live for people to watch anywhere in the world. Also, the centre is the best not only in Nigeria, but in the rest of Africa. This would help boost tourism-related revenue for the state.
Also, there are yet to be tapped IGR from Aba. As the commercial and industrial nerve centre of Abia, Aba, with its plethora of small and medium scale industries, ranks as the only city in Nigeria with the largest concentration of cottage industries, a reality which has been acknowledged on several occasions by local financial organisations, and international organisations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Only recently, the African Development Bank (AfDB) granted approval of a $200 million facility for the state to be used in tackling the challenges of water, sanitation and road construction. With this fund, which Governor Ikpeazu has assured would be applied on the Port Harcourt road, Aba, and other roads, the challenges of refuse dumps and deplorable roads within the city are being tackled. Already, the Office of Aba Urban Renewal has commenced aggressive work on the drainage system in Aba.
Now is the time to invest in Abia state. There are vast opportunities for serious investors. South African chain store giant and owners of Shoprite, Pall Mall, are presently in the state, constructing the Abia Shopping Mall. Talk of the manufacturing industry in Aba, or is it real estate, Abia state is ready for business. Question is, are you?
–– Maduekwe is the Special Assistant on Media to Governor Ikpeazu
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