Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said Nigeria’s economic growth should not be concentrated in Lagos alone, stressing the need for other states to develop their economies and create opportunities for businesses and investors. Otti spoke on Tuesday at the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, where he highlighted ongoing reforms in……
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said Nigeria’s economic growth should not be concentrated in Lagos alone, stressing the need for other states to develop their economies and create opportunities for businesses and investors.
Otti spoke on Tuesday at the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, where he highlighted ongoing reforms in Abia State aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting commercial activities and attracting investments.
The governor commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing a platform for other states to showcase their investment potential, describing the invitation as a demonstration of leadership and selflessness.
“I want to appreciate Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for inviting us. 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 nerve centre, the Abia governor argued that the country’s development would be better served if more states emerged as strong economic hubs.
“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. We cannot all be mega cities like Lagos, but there are things we can take from Lagos,” he said.
As part of his presentation to investors, Otti pointed to reforms in Aba, the commercial centre of Abia State, saying the city now enjoys uninterrupted electricity supply.
He also disclosed that the Ariaria International Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, has been transformed into a 24-hour market, a development he said is helping to expand business activities and improve productivity.
The governor said his administration was focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses through infrastructure upgrades, improved power supply and policies designed to encourage investment.
According to him, strengthening state economies across the federation would help reduce pressure on Lagos while promoting balanced national development and economic growth.
