ABIA ASSEMBLY TAKES BOLD STEP TOWARDS DIGITAL INNOVATION AS STARTUP BILL PASSES SECOND READING

…as House Moves to Empower Tech Entrepreneurs and Foster Digital Growth in Abia State

At its plenary session on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Abia State House of Assembly made another historic stride towards positioning the state as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

During the session, H.A.B 32: The Abia State Startup Bill, 2025, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, successfully passed its second reading following extensive deliberations and overwhelming support from members.

The Bill seeks to establish the Abia State Startup Administration Board, a specialized body that will coordinate policies, initiatives, and incentives aimed at creating an enabling environment for startups, tech innovators, and digital entrepreneurs across the state. When enacted, the law will serve as a framework to nurture innovation-driven enterprises and attract both local and international investment in technology and digital infrastructure.

Members who contributed to the debate lauded the Bill as a progressive and timely initiative that aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s vision of transforming Abia into a modern, technology-driven economy. They emphasized that the proposed law would not only encourage young innovators and digital creators but also enhance job creation, improve access to funding, and promote a vibrant startup ecosystem in Abia State.

Following the extensive deliberations, the House committed the Bill to its joint committees on Science & Technology and Women Affairs for a Public Hearing, with instructions to report back to the House within two weeks.

This legislative milestone underscores the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Governor’s digital transformation agenda, empowering Abia’s youth, and ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s technology and innovation revolution.