The Abia State Government has announced plans to launch locally made products by Abia-based entrepreneurs into the United States market by 2026, as part of efforts to expand exports, promote local content and grow the State’s economy.
The initiative, which will be driven through the Abia State Diaspora Commission, is expected to open international markets for Abia-made food products, textiles, leather goods and other locally produced items.
Chairman of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Mr Okey Agbara, disclosed this on Monday after a strategic meeting with Abia entrepreneurs at the Government House, Umuahia.
Mr Agbara said the State is determined to reverse the long-standing practice where products manufactured in Aba and other parts of Abia are sold cheaply to middlemen in Ghana, who then repackage and export them to global markets, including the United States, under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“In the past, Ghana has been the gateway for AGOA. They come to Nigeria, buy our products and sell them to the rest of the world, including the United States.
“Today, I have learnt that our people sell for almost nothing to Ghana, while Ghana benefits from the hard work of our people in Aba. That has to stop”, he said.
Mr Agbara revealed that the State Government has commenced engagements with AGOA and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to train local entrepreneurs on packaging, quality control and compliance with international standards required for export to the United States and other markets.
He further disclosed that discussions has reached an advanced stage for Aba to host an AGOA hub, which would serve as a West African export centre.
“We have negotiated with AGOA and they have agreed to create a hub here in Aba as a West African hub, instead of Ghana, because this is where the products are coming from “, he said.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Alex Otti to create new economic opportunities and revive local industries across the State.
The Disapora Chairman also commended the Governor for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, noting that the establishment of the Abia State Diaspora Commission led to the creation of the Abia State Global Chamber of Commerce to connect Abia entrepreneurs to markets around the world.
“Today, we have gathered businesses from Abia to brief them on what is coming in 2026. The Abia State Global Chamber of Commerce will handle matchmaking and business connections in the United States so that our people know that we are serious and ready”, he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Abia State Global Chamber of Commerce, Engr James Umekwe, said the Commission was committed to promoting Abia’s local content and facilitating access to the U.S. market for entrepreneurs.
Engr. Umekwe explained that AGOA, a United States trade law enacted under former President Bill Clinton and renewed by successive administrations, allows eligible African countries to export goods to the U.S. market duty-free.
“The most important part of AGOA is that products made in African countries can enter the U.S. market without tariffs.
“This means promoting your products, expanding your market and creating opportunities for growth. We want to ensure that entrepreneurs in textiles, clothing, leather, agriculture and other sectors can take advantage of this opportunity”, Engr Umekwe said.
He thanked Governor Otti for his consistent support and for backing initiatives aimed at positioning Abia as a major export hub in Nigeria.
An Aba-based entrepreneur and founder of Proud of Abia Production, Mr Amaobi Nwanagu, described the initiative as a major boost for local businesses, particularly those focused on local content.
Mr Nwangwu, who is also a member of the first cohort of the Aba Export Growth Lab, said the programme was preparing entrepreneurs for global competitiveness.
“This meeting is part of our packaging and export readiness. We are being prepared to take on the world.
“We have the capacity, the entrepreneurs, the manpower, the creativity and the knowledge. What we need is the right packaging and support, which we are now receiving under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti”, he said.
Some packaged food products made by Abia entrepreneurs were displayed at the meeting.
