The Abia State Government has announced plans to integrate technology into key sectors as part of efforts to boost the state’s economy.
Governor Alex Otti made this known on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during a meeting with members of the Abia State Hotel Proprietors Association.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Governor Otti urged business owners not to continue operating traditionally but to embrace modern innovations that would enhance service delivery and competitiveness.
“There are facilities you can advertise that allow customers to assess and rank your hotels before visiting. That’s part of the government’s plan to inject technology into Abia’s economy. This cannot be achieved without your active collaboration,” he stated.
According to him, the government intends to partner with the private sector to drive growth, noting that while the government cannot create all the jobs, strategic partnerships would create more economic opportunities.
“We are all working towards the same goal, to ensure that the hospitality industry in Abia meets international standards,” the Governor added.
Addressing complaints from hoteliers, particularly concerning taxation, Otti said the meeting was meant to foster mutual understanding and find sustainable solutions.
“We are here to identify and resolve common problems. Neither the government nor the hoteliers are the problem. We must work together to tackle the challenges holistically so that the outcome benefits everyone,” he said.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of constant engagement between hotel operators and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, assuring that such dialogues would continue.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, represented by Permanent Secretary Barr. Chibuzor Ehiemere, along with ASEPA General Manager, Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, explained that taxes levied on hotel owners are guided by the Abia State Environmental Law of 2004 (amended in 2013).
They highlighted the state government’s significant improvements in sanitation and waste management and called for the cooperation of hotel owners to sustain the progress made under Governor Otti’s administration.
In their remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Association, Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe; the Association’s Chairman, Chief Chidiebere Obasi; and Eze Joseph Nwabeke commended Governor Otti for the improved cleanliness and efficient waste management in the state.
They, however, appealed for a review and harmonization of taxes to make compliance easier, while pledging continued support for the administration’s developmental agenda.
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