The Abia State Government has officially revoked the Certificate of Occupancy and retaken possession of the Abia Hotels complex in Umuahia from Investment Guarantee Limited.
The decision, announced in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, follows the company’s failure to meet the terms of a Development Lease Agreement signed with the state in 2013.
According to the government, the agreement mandated Investment Guarantee Limited to upgrade and redevelop the property into a 3-Star Protea Standard Hotel and manage it for 25 years.
However, after 12 years, the company has failed to bring the hotel to the agreed standard, placing it in breach of its contractual obligations.
“The company has failed to upgrade and redevelop the Hotel to the agreed standards after 12 years and are in breach of other terms and conditions,” the statement read.
In a move underscoring its “investment-friendly” policies, the state government revealed it has offered and paid compensation to the company to cover costs it incurred during its tenure. This gesture, the government stated, was made to support the investor and allow the state to swiftly repurpose the facility for its intended use.
The release concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment while ensuring that state assets are managed effectively for the benefit of the people of Abia State.
