Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, is currently hosting top dignitaries and economic stakeholders from across the globe for a two-day international conference highlighting the vast investment potential of Imo State, positions —widely regarded as the hospitality capital of Nigeria’s Southeast—as a strategic convening point for economic discourse and development planning. The summit holding on the 4th – 5th of December, 2025, is taking place at Concorde Boulevard, new Owerri opposite Concorde Hilton.
This landmark summit is an initiative of the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, GSSRS, whose visionary leadership has made it possible to gather global experts and investors with a shared focus on unlocking Imo’s economic opportunities, especially within the broader Nigerian federation.
Imo State’s Untapped Economic Strength
Imo State possesses enormous economic and commercial potential, particularly in its abundant natural and mineral resources. One standout example is the extensive palm oil and agricultural belt in the Ohaji/Egbema axis. This region not only boasts vast palm plantations but also holds significant deposits of oil and natural gas.
The Adapalm project remains one of Imo’s most promising assets—an investor’s haven for raw materials and large-scale agro-industrial development. With a well-developed value chain, the palm oil industry can contribute immensely to the state’s revenue and industrial growth.
Globally, Indonesia stands as the leading producer of palm oil, controlling about 43% of global revenue from the sector—surpassing countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Nigeria. Imo State aims to replicate such successful models through strategic investment and modern agricultural practices.
Investment Climate and Government Reforms
The Uzodimma administration has continued to prioritize investment-friendly policies and infrastructural expansion. The governor’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment is reflected in recent legislation aimed at attracting investors, offering incentives such as tax holidays, and streamlining regulatory processes.
One notable reform is the establishment of the Imo Land Information Center, designed to simplify land administration and ensure transparency for investors seeking land for industrial or commercial use.
Furthermore, the state government, in collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is working with the World Bank, and other international monetary agencies to fashion out for key economic project that would encourage growth and development of the through private sector partnership and collaboration with government inorder to create guarantee job security and prosperity such as funding critical infrastructures as roads like the Owerri–Orlu Road, Okigwe, Owerri Road, Mbaise–Umuahia and Owerri – Portharcourt road to Elele highways.
In addition, to road networks, Senator Ndubueze Applauded the Uzodimma administration for developing the Anoh Gas Plant in Assa and embarking on constructing a gas-powered electricity turbine to boost power supply for industrialization.
The rebuilding of the iconic Imo Concorde Hotel, now renamed Concorde Hilton, is another milestone in the state’s modernization journey. The facility will be managed by Marriott International, a global leader in the hospitality industry, which is expected to elevate Imo’s tourism and service sector. Visitors to Owerri today can visibly appreciate the level of infrastructural growth achieved under the current administration.
IMO International Economic Summit 2025. Which runs from the 4th to 6th of December 2025, Imo State will host the World Imo Economic Summit, an event expected to attract global leaders, top investors, policymakers, and development partners. Among the distinguished attendees is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Vice President, His Excellency, Alhaji Kashim Shetima. Others are; former Prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson, former United Nation’s Secretary General, Banki-moon, Joseph Boakai, Malam Aliko Dangote, alongside other world-renowned economic and political figures.
This summit according to the lawmaker, representing the good people of Okigwe zone at the red chambers of the National Assembly, underscores Governor Uzodimma’s unwavering commitment to positioning Imo State as a leading destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Written by:
Fredrick U. Njoku,
Media Practitioner.
