The Anambra State Government has announced plans to establish a new industrial city in Aguata and Orumba as part of a broader strategy to reposition the state for long-term economic growth and sustainability.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo disclosed the initiative on Thursday at a high-level Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Stakeholders’ Roundtable held at the International Convention Centre, Awka. The event brought together private sector leaders, civil society groups, and investors to discuss strategies for improving Anambra’s business environment.
“We are acquiring land in Aguata and Orumba to build a new industrial city that will serve the needs of both the current population and future generations,” Soludo stated.
The governor revealed that more than 5,000 hectares of land in Ogborji and surrounding areas have been earmarked for the project. The move, he said, is aimed at curbing unregulated development while preparing the state—Nigeria’s second smallest by landmass—for a projected population of 30 million in the coming decades.
A major highlight of the roundtable was the unveiling of the Anambra State Railway Master Plan, developed by Canadian firm CPCS. The plan seeks to link the state to the national rail network, facilitating smoother logistics and improved movement of goods and people.
Governor Soludo also announced critical reforms, including a fully digitised land administration system with clearly defined performance benchmarks. Certificates of Occupancy will now be issued only to developers who meet specific requirements, while speculative land allocations risk revocation.
“In a state where over 70% of disputes are land-related, this reform is necessary to restore order and build investor confidence,” Soludo explained.
The state is also implementing its own Electricity Regulatory Commission under a newly signed law, enabling independent power generation and distribution. The governor said the goal is to eliminate estimated billing and provide stable electricity across Anambra.
In another bold step to improve the investment climate, the government has enacted legislation banning illegal levies traditionally imposed by local youth groups and community leaders, which have historically stifled business operations.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, said the EoDB Council—chaired by the governor—is overseeing reforms across ten strategic areas including infrastructure, land use, dispute resolution, and investment promotion. She urged stakeholders to engage with the council and submit feedback through the official portal: www.anambrastate.gov.ng/ease-of-doing-business.