Governor Hope Uzodimma declared a sweeping commitment at the 2025 Imo State Investment Summit, to transform the state’s infrastructure and energy landscape, announcing what he described as a decisive end to the challenges that have stalled industrial growth in Nigeria.
Addressing investors, government officials, and private-sector leaders, Uzodimma emphasised that meaningful economic progress begins with robust infrastructure. He stressed that “a good road network is fundamental for trade and economic development. They connect the markets and reduce logistic costs. In most cases, they also reflect the seriousness of the government for creating the modern environment for businesses and development.”
He noted that his administration has prioritised such projects not merely as political commitments but as essential foundations for investment attraction and sustainable development. However, the governor made it clear that roads alone cannot unlock industrialisation.
Uzodimma identified power as the most critical barrier to Nigeria’s economic transformation, warning that even the most favourable business conditions fall short without energy security. “You need to address the single biggest bottleneck to industrialization in Nigeria, which is power, or energy, whatever you prefer to call it,” he said.
He added: “You can have the best location, you can have the best workforce, the best market access, and the best goods. But without reliable electricity, you will stagnate.”
Highlighting the burden of self-generation, the governor reminded the audience that “industrial operators in Nigeria spend more money on power generation than they do on salaries.” He described the situation as untenable, declaring: “This is not sustainable.”
Uzodimma announced that Imo State has already taken bold action, revealing that the state’s dedicated power project has moved from aspiration to implementation. “By the end of this month, we will launch phase one of the Imo project,” he said, assuring investors that “this has shifted from the realm of promise to the realm of reality. The infrastructure for this is already in place.”
He explained that once operational, the project will deliver round-the-clock power through an indigenous provider. According to him, “this project will receive a steady 24-hour power supply from our own indigenous power and electricity company, Borashi Electricity Company of Nigeria.”
Phase one of the project will begin in Owerri metropolis before extending to all local government areas. “The first phase will begin with the water metropolis. While the next phase will connect durable electricity to the 27 local government areas of this state,” he said, describing the impact as monumental. “This is a game changer.”
Uzodimma framed the state’s energy transition as the end of longstanding economic inefficiencies, declaring emphatically: “There will be no more generator economics. No more production downtime. No more excuses.”
He also gave his strongest assurance yet on power reliability, stating: “Yes, we will guarantee 24-7 electricity supply to the state.”
With bold infrastructural commitments, sweeping energy reforms, and far-reaching land administration changes, Uzodimma told investors that Imo State is entering a new era of economic readiness, one defined by reliable power, efficient governance, and renewed confidence for businesses looking to expand or relocate.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
