Bills

Senator Orji Kalu: Championing economic development in Abia State

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a figure synonymous with political resilience and visionary leadership, has long been a driving force behind the economic resurgence of Abia State. As a former governor and now a senator, Kalu’s contributions to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructural development have left an indelible mark on the state. His efforts not only revitalized Abia’s economy but also positioned it as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in Nigeria’s Southeast region.

Revitalizing Abia’s Economy: A Visionary Approach
When Senator Orji Kalu assumed office as the governor of Abia State in 1999, the state’s economy was in dire straits. The industrial backbone, once vibrant, had deteriorated, and unemployment was rampant. Understanding the critical need for economic rejuvenation, Kalu implemented a multi-faceted approach that targeted key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and trade.

One of Kalu’s flagship initiatives was the revitalization of the Enyimba Economic City project, a public-private partnership aimed at transforming Abia into a global business hub. The project, which covers over 9,464 hectares of land, is designed to house industrial parks, business districts, and residential areas. With an estimated potential to create over 625,000 jobs and generate $5 billion in annual revenue, the Enyimba Economic City stands as a testament to Kalu’s commitment to sustainable economic development.

Infrastructural Development: Laying the Foundation for Growth
Kalu’s administration was marked by an aggressive push for infrastructural development, recognizing it as the bedrock of economic progress. His government invested heavily in road construction and rehabilitation, connecting rural areas to urban centers and facilitating the movement of goods and people across the state. The Umuahia-Ohafia Road, a critical artery in Abia’s transport network, was one of the numerous road projects completed under his tenure. This road not only improved accessibility but also stimulated economic activities in previously isolated communities.

In addition to road infrastructure, Kalu’s administration prioritized the development of healthcare and educational facilities. He spearheaded the construction of modern hospitals and schools across the state, ensuring that the workforce was healthy and educated—key ingredients for economic productivity. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital, which he upgraded, became a center of medical excellence in the region, attracting healthcare professionals and boosting the local economy.

Job Creation: Empowering the People
Job creation was a cornerstone of Kalu’s economic agenda. Understanding that employment is a critical driver of economic stability and social harmony, he launched several initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among the youth. The Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), introduced during his tenure, provided vocational training and entrepreneurship support to thousands of young people, equipping them with the skills needed to start their own businesses or secure gainful employment.

https://guardian.ng/news/senator-orji-kalu-championing-economic-development-in-abia-state/

The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North).

The proposed legislation seeks to create a national framework for the adoption, manufacturing, and regulation of EVs, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels, and establish the country as a continental hub for green mobility.

The bill was extensively debated, with lawmakers acknowledging the urgency of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The proposal outlines strategies to promote local assembly, regulate foreign partnerships, expand nationwide charging infrastructure, and ensure coordinated oversight through relevant ministries and agencies.

Leading the debate, Senator Kalu said the initiative is aimed at transforming the nation’s automobile and energy sectors through innovation and job creation.

“This Bill will help Nigeria move from dependence on fossil fuels toward a cleaner and sustainable energy system. It will ensure that our local industries benefit directly from the emerging global electric vehicle market, create jobs, and reduce emissions in our cities,” he stated.

The bill provides for tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll and road tax exemptions, and subsidies for EV users and investors. It also mandates that charging points be installed in fuel stations nationwide to enable widespread adoption.

A major provision of the bill is its strong emphasis on local content compliance.

It requires foreign automakers operating in Nigeria to partner with licensed local assemblers and set up assembly plants within three years.

The proposed legislation also stated that by 2030, such companies must source at least 30 per cent of components locally, or risk suspension of operations and fines of up to ₦250 million per violation, stating that unauthorised EV importers face penalties of ₦500 million per shipment and confiscation of vehicles.

“We are creating a system that protects Nigerian industries and ensures that technology transfer and innovation happen locally,” Kalu explained.

Senators across party lines backed the bill. Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) highlighted the urgency of addressing carbon emissions in major cities.

“The world is moving forward, and cities like Lagos and Kano are already suffering from high carbon emissions. Electric vehicles will drastically cut down pollution, improve public health, and create a new industrial ecosystem for Nigeria.

Instead of exporting lithium, we should process and utilise it here at home to create jobs and diversify our economy,” he said.

Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) linked the bill to long-term climate resilience.

“Climate change is already affecting our communities and agricultural productivity. Embracing clean mobility is part of our national responsibility to future generations,” he stated.

Senator Titus Zam noted that Nigeria risks falling behind global trends.
“From Europe to Asia and even several African countries, the electric vehicle revolution has already taken shape.

“Nigeria must not be left behind if we hope to remain competitive and relevant,” Zam said.

The bill also encourages private investment in charging stations, offering grants and tax credits, while requiring fuel stations to provide EV charging points.

“Our goal is to make Nigeria the hub of electric vehicle manufacturing in Africa, create jobs for our youth, and support our transition toward renewable energy,” Kalu reiterated.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative, describing it as aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.

“This Bill represents an important step toward sustainable industrial growth and environmental responsibility. Nigeria must prepare for the future of transportation and energy,” he said.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Industry for further legislative scrutiny and is expected to return within four weeks.

BY PUNCH newpaper

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law the Constitutional Amendment Bill sponsored by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, granting states in the country powers to construct railways.

The law titled a Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) to provide that the Federal Government and the State Governments shall have concurrent legislative powers on Railway and to provide for matters related thereto, 2021 was among the 16 Constitutional Amendments signed into law by Mr.President on Friday.

The Railway Constitutional Amendment is part of the Abia-North Lawmaker’s contribution to the fifth alternation to the Constitution, aimed at boosting the nation’s transport system which means states can now build their own rail tracks and introduce trains for Intra-State Transport among others, so as to decongest the roads.

Kalu’s contribution in reshaping the highest laws of the country will further relieve teeming commuters and reduce the number of accidents on the country’s roads. It will further reduce the cost of human and cargo transportation as rail transport is globally cheaper than road transport.

With the Presidential assent, the rail transportation has been removed from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, making it possible for states to invest in the infrastructure.

According to a confirmatory statement issued by Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters-Senate, the President signed into law 16 bills including Kalu’s Bill which stood at No. 16.

The highlights of the assented Constitutional Alteration Bills, amongst others, are: ensuring financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary; regulating of the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly and for related matters; and ensuring that the President and Governors submit the names of persons nominated as Ministers or Commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly; and for related matters.

Other highlights are: enabling states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and for related matters; excluding the period of intervening events in the computation of time for determining pre-election matters petitions etc; regulating the first session and inauguration of members-elect of National and State Assemblies; changing prisons to correctional service and re-designating correctional service in the concurrent list.

As part of efforts to improve the learning standards of students across his senatorial district, senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu has completed the reconstruction of a block of three classrooms at Abam, Arochukwu LGA.

The school, Amaeke Abam Primary School, forms part of other numerous infrastructure projects in Abia already completed and delivered as captured in the 2023 appropriation bill.

To consolidate his efforts, Kalu won re-election into the 10th Senate,also commenced the second phase of the distribution of school bags, text books and stationeries to students across the five local government areas to aid their learning processes.

The newly completed learning structure adds to others already delivered within the first quarter of the year. They include two to three blocks of classrooms each at Amuvi Primary School; Command Day Primary School; Amaekpu Ohafia Community School and Agboji Abiriba Primary school all located at Arochukwu, Ohafia and Bende LGAs respectively.

At St. James Presbyterian Academy, Ndi Oji Abam, Arochukwu where the distribution of the learning materials first took place, the school proprietor, Ogonnaya Emmanuel offered words of appreciation and prayers to Senator Kalu.

Addressing Kalu’s representatives sent to supervise the exercise, Ogbonnaya assured that the materials would be utilised judiciously by the students. The school head also said that the newly completed learning structures would ease the teaching and learning processes of both the teachers and students.

“I have nothing but appreciation for Senator Kalu, I pray that God continues to bless him more. He has continued to remember us at the Senate and these materials will go a long way for these students because many can’t afford to buy them due to the current state of the economy,” he said.

Other beneficiaries of the ongoing distribution are Ovukwu Central school, Ndi Oji Abam and Community primary school, Ndi Oji Abam both in Arochukwu L.G.A.

Also , Mr. Eke Kalu Elekwa who represented the Head teacher of Community Primary School Ndi Oji Abam thanked Kalu for his benevolence towards the pupils thereby relieving parents from the burden now that the economy is not friendly.