Abia State has taken a decisive step toward becoming a regional centre for technology and innovation with the signing of a new startup-focused law and the rollout of cleaner public transport solutions.
Governor Alex Otti this week assented to the Abia State Startup Law 2025, a legislation that aligns the state with the Nigerian Startup Act of 2022 and provides a structured legal environment for technology driven businesses. The law is designed to support innovation led enterprises, attract private investment and strengthen Abia’s digital economy.
Briefing journalists in Umuahia after a State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said the policy targets startups with significant operations in Abia that are recognised under the national framework. He explained that the law is part of a broader strategy to diversify the state’s economy and position it competitively within the South East technology ecosystem.
The News Chronicle understands that the startup law is being implemented alongside an ambitious transport reform plan. Under the Abia Transport Transformation Project, the state is introducing electric buses to modernise urban mobility and reduce fuel related costs.
About 100 electric buses are planned for the first phase, with 20 already delivered and another batch expected early next year. Each bus can carry 40 passengers and travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.
Officials say the initiative places Abia among Nigeria’s early adopters of electric public transport.
The state government also confirmed progress on its 25 year development plan, expanded healthcare outreach through the Abia Global Medical Mission and continued investments in digital skills training and road rehabilitation as part of wider economic reforms.
