Stakeholders review Abia Startup Act Draft to align with Nigeria Startup Act

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Stakeholders engaged by the Abia State Government have convened in Umuahia to review the draft Abia State Startup Act, aiming to align it with the federal Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) of 2022.

The one-day engagement seeks to foster a legal framework to support tech-driven entrepreneurship in the state.

Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovations, David Kalu, urged participants—including academics, tech experts, youths, and government officials—to contribute robustly to create a “time-tested Act”.

“We aim to promote entrepreneurs using technology to develop applications for Abia’s future,” Kalu said, praising Governor Alex Otti’s focus on harnessing entrepreneurial skills. He noted Abia’s trade and agriculture legacy, emphasising that merging these with technology requires a strong legal foundation.

Permanent Secretary Justina Ebo and Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Chibuzor Chijioke, underscored the government’s commitment to adopting the Act to drive tech business growth. Tracy Okoro-Isaac, State Adoption Lead for the Nigeria Startup Act, highlighted the need to localize the NSA to create an enabling environment for young tech entrepreneurs, fostering a “Silicon Valley” in Abia.

Participants, including Daniel Chinagozi, Board Chairman of Abia Technology and Innovation Network, and Anya Peter, hailed the engagement as a “dream come true”.

They commended Governor Otti for an initiative poised to boost technology and innovation in Abia while ensuring the Act’s adoption.