In a bold move to attract foreign investors and strengthen economic development, the Ebonyi State Government has introduced new legislation aimed at safeguarding investments within the state.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru disclosed this on Friday when he received a delegation from Neuro Pharma, a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company, at the Government House, Abakaliki. The company is partnering with the state to establish a 1,200-bed ultra-modern hospital, as part of its plan to expand healthcare access across selected African countries.
Governor Nwifuru assured the delegation of a conducive business environment and legal protection for investors, emphasizing that Ebonyi remains one of Nigeria’s safest and most investment-friendly states.
“In Ebonyi, we have enacted laws that protect the interests of investors. Where an investor suffers losses due to government negligence, the government takes responsibility and compensates such losses,” the governor stated.
He encouraged Neuro Pharma to proceed confidently with its investment, citing the state’s strategic location and comparative advantages. “This hospital is strategically located. It is closer to other African nations; for instance, from here to Cameroon is less than five hours,” Nwifuru noted.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to security and stability. “We have security. I can confirm that we are one of the safest states in the country,” he added.
Earlier, Ms. Valicka Stamenova, leader of the Neuro Pharma team, expressed appreciation for the state’s hospitality and openness to foreign partnerships. She reaffirmed the company’s readiness to build the hospital in any location designated by the government.
Other members of the delegation—Ambassador Young Piero Omatseye, Patrick Kagagor, Engr. Robert Adeboye, and Rasheed Olarenwaju—pledged their commitment to ensuring timely and quality delivery of the project.
“We are committed to ensuring that Africa develops Africa. After touring Ebonyi, we saw its potential and believe the state is well-positioned for this transformative project,” they said.
