Abia targets seven sectors to boost industrialisation

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pinpointed seven key industries for the state to focus on in order to spur investment, accelerate industrialization, and foster economic growth. During a recent meeting of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce in Lagos, Otti outlined the sectors as agribusiness and agro-processing, trade and markets, creative and digital economy, manufacturing and industrialization, small and medium enterprise expansion, inclusive finance and diaspora investment, and innovation.

Expressing his administration's commitment to making Abia more attractive to investors, Otti highlighted that in the past three years, the focus has been on removing productivity barriers and fostering value creation. The administration's efforts include reforms in fiscal governance and infrastructure, aimed at creating a favorable business environment.

The state's 2026 budget, projected at N1.016 trillion, allocates 80 percent to capital expenditure, described as the highest per-capita spending in the country based on national figures. According to Otti, projected internally generated revenue of N223.4 billion is anticipated to cover recurrent expenditure.

Otti noted that the state ranks fourth in the BudgIT States Fiscal Transparency League for the fourth quarter of 2025. He also reported that a 15 percent budget allocation to healthcare helped Abia top the national ranking in health emergency preparedness, while a security assessment by Phillips Consulting ranked the state favorably for safety of lives and property.

Regarding infrastructure, 414 roads have been completed, and 82 are under construction. Over 10,000 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

The governor further stated that Abia presents investment opportunities across the plantation, processing, manufacturing, and off-take segments. Examples include livestock ranching, dairy, cashew, cocoa, and rubber in agribusiness, garment manufacturing, ceramics, and leather works in the industrial sector, and tourism opportunities such as Enyimba Hotels and Ibom Waterfall.

At a fireside chat, Otti highlighted the Azumini-Obeaku Seaport as a potential trade and logistics hub, alongside plans for an industrial park and a medical city. He mentioned that businesses previously leaving the state are returning due to lower transport, rental, and security costs, as well as growing population and public spending driving consumer demand.

NBCC President Abimbola Olashore, in her remarks, emphasized the importance of predictable policies, functional institutions, and quality infrastructure for investor confidence, while stressing the role of the private sector in providing capital and expertise.