Otti highlights seven investment priority sectors in Abia

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pinpointed seven key sectors as the focus for attracting investment, fostering industrial development and spurring economic expansion in the state. This was disclosed in a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, following the Governor's participation in the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce's Meet the Governor Series in Lagos.

Otti's seven sector priorities include agribusiness and agro-processing, trade and markets, digital and creative economy, manufacturing and industrial growth, scaling small and medium enterprises, inclusive finance, and diaspora investment and innovation.

Otti announced that his administration has prioritized removing productivity barriers and fostering value creation, making the state more appealing to investors. In the past 39 months, fiscal reforms and infrastructure improvements have been undertaken to create a business-friendly environment. Otti's 2026 budget of N1.016tn is predominantly allocated to capital expenditure, with 80% directed towards this category - the highest per capita spending in the country based on national expenditure data.

The state's projected internally generated revenue of N223.4bn is anticipated to cover recurrent expenditure. Abia ranks fourth in the BudgIT States Fiscal Transparency League in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Otti disclosed that 15% of the budget is allocated to healthcare, which has enabled the state to lead the nation in health emergency preparedness. A security evaluation by Phillips Consulting also ranked Abia favorably for the safety of lives and property. Infrastructure advancements comprise 414 completed roads, and 82 are currently under construction.

Over 10,000 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia. Bus fares have been returned to over N400,000 after a passenger left the excess in Abia. Otti's wife unveiled N20m in support for 400 women with disabilities. The governor highlighted that Abia has the lowest public transportation cost per kilometer, owing to investments in road networks and green shuttle buses that reduce overheads and turnaround time.

Investment opportunities span agribusiness, manufacturing, and tourism, including off-take segments. Otti identified potential trade and logistics hubs with the proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport and plans for an industrial park and a medical city.