Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured investors that Abia remains Nigeria’s top investment destination given the State’s economic potential and conducive business environment.
Governor Otti stated this when he received a delegation led by the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Weert Borner.
The Governor who emphasized that Abia is ripe for investment, with numerous opportunities awaiting credible partners, highlighted ongoing reforms and infrastructure development as key enablers of economic growth in the state.
He pointed out that Abia presents immense potential in Manufacturing, Waste recycling, SME development, and Agro-processing adding that Aba, in particular, holds vast opportunities for SMEs, especially in leather, textiles, and fashion.
“There is no better place for those SMEs than Aba. And they can bring in a whole lot in terms of leather, textiles, fashion etc.
“We are ready to support investors by providing Land, Infrastructure, and Policy backing to ensure their success. Our approach is based on partnerships, not dependency on grants.
“We bring our value to the table, and our investors bring theirs, creating a larger shared value,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that will drive industrial and economic development in the State.
He revealed that as part of efforts to create a business-friendly environment, the State Government is finalizing the acquisition of the Electricity Distribution Company in Umuahia to address power supply challenges.
Governor Otti also noted that Geometric Power Limited is set to provide a long-term solution for Aba, to ensure stable electricity for industries and SMEs.
He directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing to allocate land for the establishment of a Treated Mosquito Net Factory, a project that the German company is already willing to undertake.
Earlier, the Consul General of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Weert Borner, expressed a strong interest in fostering economic collaboration between German companies and Abia State.
He commended Governor Otti’s commitment to good governance, which he described as a crucial factor in attracting Foreign Investments.
According to Mr. Borner, German firms are particularly interested in Agriculture, Environmental sustainability, Health, Waste Management, Energy, Vocational Training, and Digital Transformation.
He noted that in the Agricultural sector, German companies are exploring investments in Machinery, Renewable Energy, and Modern Farming Techniques to enhance productivity.
He also identified recycling and the green industry as key areas of investment, citing innovations in chemical recycling pioneered by BASF in Lagos, which could be expanded to Abia.
Mr. Borner revealed that BASF has been actively involved in malaria prevention through its production of coated mosquito nets and is seeking a location in Nigeria to establish a Treated Mosquito Net Factory, which he noted, could create jobs and boost the local economy.
The German Consul General, accompanied by his wife, had earlier visited Aba, where he engaged with the local business community and toured some ailing industries.
