The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AMENA Tourism Tech for the grading and rating of hospitality establishments across the state.
The agreement, described as another milestone in the administration’s drive to reposition key sectors of the economy, was executed between the State Government and AMENA Tourism Tech to establish standardized benchmarks for hotels and other hospitality facilities operating in Abia State.
The MoU signing involved the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, led by its Commissioner, Doc Matt Ekwuribe; the Ministry of Justice, led by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN; and AMENA Tourism Tech, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Eghosa Eghobien. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Justice.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mat, said the initiative would enhance traveler confidence by providing consistent and reliable hospitality standards for both domestic and international visitors.
“We are trying to ensure that no Hospitality firm is unnoticed in Abia “
He explained that the partnership would also improve service quality by raising accommodation standards and promoting healthy competition within the hospitality sector. According to him, the grading and rating system will further drive economic growth by strengthening the local tourism industry, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, and stimulating allied sectors such as transportation, food services, crafts, and cultural exhibitions.
Dr. Mat added that the initiative would boost security and regulatory compliance by enabling the government to maintain a verified register of graded hotels, thereby reducing risks to travelers and ensuring proper oversight of hospitality operators.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, said the MoU aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s policy direction of revitalizing all sectors of the Abia State economy. He emphasized that the administration remains committed to giving deliberate attention to reforms that promote growth, professionalism, and sustainability across industries.
The rating and grading according to the MoU is expected to last for five Months.
