Governor Hope Uzodimma says the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transformed Imo State’s finances, enabling his administration to execute major infrastructure, education and technology projects that were previously beyond the state’s reach.
The governor made the remarks while hosting journalists during an inspection tour of federal and state-backed projects across Owerri and other parts of Imo State. The visit was organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team.
Uzodimma recalled that shortly after he assumed office in January 2020, the state struggled financially despite receiving monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
“After paying salaries, we had only N100 million left. That was the situation in many states. But after the subsidy removal in 2023, our allocation rose to over N10.7 billion. That is why I supported the policy because it gave states the resources to serve their people,” he said.
According to the governor, the increased revenue has been invested in visible projects, including the Orashi Energy Free Trade Zone, Orashi Power Plant, expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, rehabilitation of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a Federal University of Education, the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, the restored Concorde Hotel, the Imo State House of Assembly Complex and the ongoing Inland Revenue House.
The inspection team also visited the massive erosion control project in Umuchima, Ideato South Local Government Area. The intervention includes slope stabilisation, extensive land reclamation and reconstruction of a bridge across the Orashi River, reconnecting communities that had been isolated for years due to severe gully erosion.
One of the highlights of the tour was the Imo Digital City, a public-private partnership established to develop technology skills and promote digital innovation. Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said more than 75,000 young people have already been trained through the state’s Skill Up Imo programme in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, cybersecurity and other digital skills.
The Digital City also houses an assembly plant producing smartphones, tablets, routers and other devices under the ImoSys brand. According to Amadi, the facility can assemble up to 1,000 devices daily, creating employment while reducing dependence on imported technology products. He added that the project attracted about $15 million in investment through partnerships with organisations including the University of California, Berkeley, Cisco and other international technology firms.
Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the collaboration between the federal and state governments had delivered tangible benefits, pointing to the federal government’s approval of Alvan Ikoku’s upgrade as a major educational milestone that previous administrations failed to secure.
Presidential officials who joined the tour also praised the projects. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, said the infrastructure projects reflected the intended benefits of the fuel subsidy removal policy, arguing that funds previously spent on subsidies were now being redirected into development.
Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications, Sunday Dare, singled out the reconstruction of the Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga road, previously devastated by erosion, as a critical project capable of boosting economic activity across the South-East by improving connectivity between Imo, Abia and Anambra states.
The delegation also inspected the ANOH Gas Processing Company in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, where company officials said the project had generated thousands of jobs, expanded infrastructure and supported host communities through corporate social responsibility programmes.
Wrapping up the tour, Uzodimma said the projects demonstrated the practical impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms on state development.
“You came to Imo to see what we have achieved. Without President Tinubu’s policies, particularly the subsidy removal, many of these projects would not have been possible,” the governor said.
