Abia State Government has signed a landmark MoU to grade and rate hospitality establishments, boosting tourism confidence and investment. Click to read full details.
Abia State has taken a decisive leap toward transforming its hospitality and tourism industry into a globally competitive sector, following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AMENA Tourism Tech for the grading and classification of hospitality establishments across the state.
The agreement, signed on behalf of the Abia State Government by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, signals the beginning of a new era where hotels, guest houses, and hospitality facilities will operate under clear, transparent, and internationally acceptable standards.
Under the new framework, no hospitality business in Abia will remain unregistered or unclassified, while visitors local and international will have clear assurance of service quality before booking any facility.
Speaking on the signing, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Doc Matt Ekwuribe, described the initiative as a move anchored on standards, trust, and economic growth.
“No hospitality business in Abia should be invisible, and no visitor should be uncertain about the quality of service they receive,” he said.
By introducing measurable benchmarks, the state government aims to strengthen traveler confidence, raise service quality, and encourage healthy competition among operators, thereby repositioning Abia as a credible destination for business and leisure tourism.
Beyond hotels, the grading exercise is expected to stimulate wide-ranging economic activities across transportation, food services, crafts, culture, and creative industries, creating both direct and indirect jobs for Abians.
The initiative will also enhance security and regulatory oversight through the creation of a verified register of graded hospitality establishments, enabling government agencies to monitor compliance, improve safety, and protect visitors.
The MoU aligns with the broader economic reform agenda of Governor Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, whose administration is deliberately repositioning every sector of the Abia economy for professionalism, sustainability, and global relevance.
The agreement was executed at the Ministry of Justice and involved key stakeholders, including:
Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
Hon. Doc Matt Ekwuribe, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy
Mr. Eghosa Eghobien, Managing Director of AMENA Tourism Tech
Barrister Chibuzo Ehiemere – Permanent Secretary Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy
Lady Kate Emezue – Director Abia State Tourism Board
Attorney General Uwanna described the initiative as another milestone in the administration’s drive to reform Abia’s economy through structured, law-backed partnerships.
The grading and rating exercise, which will span five months, is expected to redefine hospitality standards and send a strong message to investors that Abia is open, organized, and ready for business.
As the process unfolds, industry players, investors, and visitors alike are expected to benefit from improved service delivery, better regulation, and a renewed confidence in Abia’s tourism ecosystem.
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