President Tinubu’s Subsidy Reforms Yielding Results as Imo Emerges as Industrial Model, Says Opiah

Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah defends Tinubu’s subsidy removal, citing increased state funding for 130+ roads and the Orashi Free Trade Zone in Imo State.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 8:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria.

Demystifying Economic Reforms at the Grassroots

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors concluded their extensive tour of Imo State's 27 Local Government Areas with a finale in Ohaji-Egbema on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The state coordinator, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah, utilized the platform to defend the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, specifically the removal of the fuel subsidy. Opiah characterized the reform as "long overdue," arguing that the previous system drained national resources to enrich a small elite. According to Opiah, the administration's decision has directly increased state allocations, providing the necessary liquidity for Governor Hope Uzodimma to execute large-scale social and infrastructural projects.

Infrastructure and Health Gains in Imo State

Opiah highlighted that the tangible impacts of these fiscal reforms are already "visible" across Imo. He cited the completion and ongoing work on over 130 road projects designed to unlock rural economies and improve logistics for farmers. In the healthcare sector, the coordinator noted the revitalization of several general hospitals and the significant upgrade of the IMSU Teaching Hospital in Orlu. A key achievement mentioned was the installation of a new oxygen plant, which allows the facility to manage critical respiratory cases locally rather than referring them outside the state. Furthermore, improved electricity supply in parts of Owerri is reportedly lowering production costs for small and medium enterprises.

The Orashi Free Trade Zone: A Blueprint for Industry

A central pillar of Imo’s economic strategy is the transformation of the Orashi region into an industrial cluster. Opiah detailed plans for dredging the Orashi River to provide direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, a move intended to slash shipping costs for manufacturers. Coupled with the proposed Orashi Export Free Trade Zone, the project aims to attract significant domestic and foreign manufacturing investment. "This is a deliberate shift from consumption to production," Opiah stated, describing the zone as a sustainable engine for job creation and long-term prosperity for the Southeast region.