By Isaac Mission 

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has unveiled a seven-sector investment strategy aimed at attracting capital, strengthening industrialisation and positioning the state as a leading business destination in the South-East.

The governor disclosed the plan in Lagos while speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce’s Meet the Governor Series.

Otti used the engagement to showcase investment opportunities in Abia and assure prospective investors that his administration was implementing reforms to improve the state’s business environment.

He identified agribusiness and agro-processing, trade and markets, manufacturing, small and medium-sized enterprises, inclusive finance, the creative and digital economy, as well as diaspora investment and innovation as key areas of focus.

According to the governor, the administration is combining fiscal reforms with infrastructure development to create conditions that will encourage private-sector investment.

Abia’s N1.016trn Budget Targets Capital Projects

Otti highlighted the state’s 2026 budget as part of the government’s strategy to drive economic transformation.

He said the budget, valued at N1.016 trillion, earmarks 80 per cent for capital expenditure, while internally generated revenue projected at N223.4 billion is expected to fund recurrent spending.

The governor also pointed to Abia’s ranking in the fourth quarter of 2025 BudgIT States Fiscal Transparency League, where the state placed fourth.

He said the fiscal position reflected the administration’s efforts to strengthen transparency and improve public financial management.

414 Roads Completed, 82 Under Construction

On infrastructure, Otti disclosed that 414 roads had been completed across Abia, with another 82 projects still ongoing.

He added that more than 10,000 solar-powered streetlights had been installed in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.

The governor said the infrastructure improvements were intended to support businesses, enhance movement and make the state more attractive to investors.

Agribusiness, Manufacturing and Tourism Opportunities

Otti outlined several investment opportunities available across Abia’s agricultural and industrial sectors.

In agribusiness, he identified livestock ranching, dairy production, cashew, cocoa and rubber as areas with investment potential.

He also highlighted opportunities in garment production, ceramics and leather manufacturing, sectors with strong links to the state’s commercial and industrial activities.

The governor said investors could participate in different stages of the agricultural value chain, including plantations, processing and product off-take.

Tourism was another area he identified for development, with Enyimba Hotels and Ibom Waterfall mentioned among the opportunities available to potential investors.

Seaport, Industrial Park and Medical City Plans

During a fireside chat at the event, Otti further drew attention to projects that could expand Abia’s economic and logistics capacity.

He identified the proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport as a potential trade and logistics gateway for the state.

He also mentioned plans for an industrial park and a proposed medical city, which he said could create additional opportunities for businesses and investors.

The projects form part of the administration’s broader ambition to diversify the state’s economy and attract investment beyond traditional commercial activities.

NBCC Seeks Predictable Policies, Better Infrastructure

President of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Abimbola Olashore, acknowledged Aba’s long-standing manufacturing reputation and its potential to support further industrial growth.

Olashore, however, stressed that investors require more than promising opportunities before committing their funds.

He called for predictable government policies, effective institutions and reliable infrastructure to give businesses the confidence to invest.

He said the government’s responsibility was to establish an enabling environment, while the private sector should bring in the capital and expertise needed to drive economic expansion.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Abia government to present its investment agenda to the business community and outline the reforms and projects it hopes will attract fresh capital to the state.