Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has unveiled a seven-point investment strategy designed to attract fresh domestic and foreign capital, boost industrialisation and position the state as a leading business destination in the South-East.
Otti made the pitch to investors in Lagos at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Meet the Governor Series, where he declared Abia open for business and outlined key sectors with significant investment potential.
The governor identified agribusiness and agro-processing, trade and markets, the creative and digital economy, manufacturing and industrialisation, small and medium-sized enterprises, inclusive finance, and diaspora investment and innovation as priority areas.
He said his administration was complementing the investment drive with reforms in fiscal management and infrastructure aimed at improving the business environment and giving investors greater confidence.
Otti said the state's 2026 budget of N1.016 trillion had been structured to prioritise development, with 80 per cent earmarked for capital expenditure.
He added that Abia's projected internally generated revenue of N223.4 billion was expected to cover the state's recurrent expenditure.
The governor also highlighted the state's performance in fiscal transparency, noting that Abia ranked fourth in BudgIT's States Fiscal Transparency League for the fourth quarter of 2025.
On infrastructure, Otti disclosed that his administration had completed 414 roads, while another 82 were under construction.
He further said more than 10,000 solar-powered streetlights had been installed across Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and economic activity.
Otti said the state's agricultural value chain offered opportunities for investors in plantation development, processing, manufacturing and off-taking.
He specifically listed livestock ranching, dairy production, cashew, cocoa and rubber among areas with investment potential.
In the industrial sector, he identified garment manufacturing, ceramics and leather production as areas where investors could take advantage of Abia's existing industrial base.
The governor also pointed to tourism as another area of opportunity, citing Enyimba Hotels and Ibom Waterfall as assets with potential for development.
During a fireside chat at the event, Otti identified the proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport as a potential trade and logistics gateway that could strengthen Abia's connection to regional and international markets.
He also highlighted plans for an industrial park and a proposed medical city as part of the state's broader economic development agenda.
The governor's presentation formed part of his administration's efforts to market Abia's investment opportunities to the private sector and attract capital for large-scale economic activities.
The President of the NBCC, Abimbola Olashore, acknowledged Aba's long-standing manufacturing heritage, describing it as a strong foundation upon which further industrial growth could be built.
Olashore, however, stressed that investors required more than attractive opportunities before committing their funds.
He said predictable government policies, functional institutions and quality infrastructure were essential to creating the confidence necessary for sustained private-sector investment.
According to him, government should concentrate on providing the right enabling environment, while the private sector brings the capital, expertise and entrepreneurial capacity required to drive economic expansion.
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