The Abia State Government says it is intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment, promote local industries and strengthen its business environment as the state prepares to host the 27th Africando Trade Conference in Umuahia from November 17 to 19, 2026.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who disclosed this while outlining the administration's economic and infrastructure initiatives, said the conference would provide a platform for connecting Abia businesses with international investors, particularly from the United States.
According to Kanu, the conference, organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa in partnership with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, will be the first United States-Africa Trade and Investment Conference to take place on African soil.
He said investors from the United States and other parts of the world would interact with Nigerian and African businesses, explore investment opportunities and establish partnerships.
Kanu added that ministries, government agencies and local government areas in Abia would use the event to showcase their investment potentials, while Governor Alex Otti would formally open the conference.
He attributed the state's emergence as host to what he described as growing confidence in the Otti administration's infrastructure investments, economic reforms and efforts to improve the business environment.
The commissioner said the conference would also expose eligible Abia businesses to opportunities under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides qualifying African countries and businesses with preferential access to the United States market.
He expressed optimism that the event would stimulate economic activities in the state, particularly in the hospitality, transportation and service sectors.
In a similar effort to expand the reach of local businesses, the state government is also preparing to host the third Aba International Trade Fair from November 27 to December 6, 2026, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Kanu said the fair, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, would be held under the theme, Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth.
He listed footwear and leather products, fashion, agro-processing, food products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology and renewable energy among the sectors expected to feature at the exhibition.
He said the fair was designed to showcase Aba's industrial capabilities, expand market opportunities for local manufacturers and reinforce the commercial city's position as a major manufacturing centre in the country.
Beyond investment promotion, Kanu said the administration was pursuing reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and professionalism of the state civil service.
He disclosed that the Abia State Civil Service Commission would organise a capacity-building programme for permanent secretaries, directors and deputy directors between November 16 and 28.
The training would cover change management, work ethics, professionalism, succession planning, talent management, leadership and strategic management.
According to him, the programme would strengthen the capacity of senior public officers to improve institutional performance and ensure more effective delivery of government services.
On road infrastructure, the commissioner said the government had sustained its direct-labour maintenance programme, with 59 projects currently spread across the state.
He disclosed that two additional projects had been completed, while 11 new interventions had been added to the Ministry of Works' maintenance programme.
The completed projects include erosion control works along Ezi-Alayi Road in Bende Local Government Area and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over open manholes and drains in Aba and Umuahia.
He said the ministry had so far covered 120 manholes as part of efforts to prevent accidents and improve safety for road users.
Among the newly introduced projects are the clearing and grading of a three-kilometre road within the Abia State Industrial Innovation Park in Ukwa West, construction of Late Sir Nwala Link Road-Isieketa Road in Isiala Ngwa South and maintenance of Akwukwaegbu Drive at Orie-Ugba Market in Umuahia North.
Other projects include Orie-Ugba-Eziama Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North, Amaekpu Street in Abayi, Aba, Ibom Waterfall Road and Ndi Okike Road in Arochukwu, as well as the rehabilitation of Igbere Ring Road Phase Three.
The programme also covers drainage works and road construction within Arochukwu General Hospital.
Kanu further revealed that 23 road projects were currently under contract across the state, with construction activities gathering momentum following improved weather conditions.
He identified the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze-Obete-Oberete-Akrika-Obu Road, which connects Obingwa and Ukwa East local government areas, and the seven-kilometre Bende-Idima Road in Abam as projects expected to be presented for commissioning soon.
Meanwhile, the government has warned residents against the destruction of public infrastructure, particularly the removal of manhole covers and other road safety facilities.
Kanu described the practice as a criminal offence, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.
He urged residents to cooperate with the government by reporting vandalism and other acts capable of undermining public infrastructure to the relevant security agencies.
The commissioner also warned communities against constructing speed bumps and road breakers on public roads without government authorisation.
He said the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otunchere Oti, had clarified that communities seeking such installations must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Works.
According to him, the ministry would inspect proposed locations, assess the need for speed bumps and ensure that any approved installation meets required engineering standards.
He added that the government could independently identify accident-prone locations and install appropriate safety measures where necessary.
Kanu said the combination of international trade engagement, industrial promotion, civil service capacity development and road infrastructure expansion reflected the administration's determination to accelerate economic development.
He maintained that Abia was positioning itself as an investment destination where local enterprises could grow, industries could expand and businesses could connect with international markets.
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