Asaba is intensifying efforts to attract investors from Lagos by creating a more secure and business-friendly environment, with traditional leadership playing a key role in supporting the state’s development agenda.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Managing Director of Macfolly Hospitality Limited, Chika Ogeah, said the investment drive is part of a coordinated effort led by the Asagba of Asaba to complement government initiatives and accelerate economic growth in the city.
Ogeah noted that the initiative reflects a collaboration between governance and traditional institutions, stressing that, “it’s like governance meeting tradition and culture… he wants to complement what the government is doing.” He explained that the goal is to align community structures with government policies to create a more attractive destination for investors.
He highlighted that one of the major steps taken to improve investor confidence is the reform of land administration in Asaba, which previously discouraged investment. According to him, “he’s come out with a clear-cut decree and made sure that all those things are a thing of the past,” referring to issues such as land disputes, multiple ownership claims, and harassment of developers.
Ogeah said the improved environment has opened up opportunities across key sectors including hospitality, real estate, agribusiness, and power, noting that investors now have greater assurance of safety and returns. He emphasized that, “money will always go to where there’s peace, there’s security, there’s guarantee of returns.”
He further described Asaba’s strategic advantage, particularly its proximity to Onitsha, which creates a strong commercial link capable of driving economic expansion. “Asaba is almost like a dual city… and there’s a synergy between both,”he said, adding that improved infrastructure, including port development, could significantly reduce logistics costs for businesses.
In the hospitality sector, Ogeah revealed that new developments are already underway to meet growing demand, stating that, “Asaba has gotten to that stage where it needs four or five of those kind of global branded hotels… and I think people are stepping up.”
On the decision to engage investors in Lagos, he explained that the outreach is designed to directly connect with major business stakeholders and showcase the opportunities available in Asaba. “He’s going to come and tell Corporate Nigeria in Lagos… come to Asaba, come and see for yourself,” Ogeah said.
While he noted that no fixed investment target has been set, he maintained that the focus is on creating an enabling environment that will naturally attract capital into the city, driven by improved policies, security, and collaboration between stakeholders.
Triumph Ojo
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