Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that will open new markets and promote innovation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),
Governor Otti stated this on Thursday, when he received the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Ochen Odida, and his delegation in his office at Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA.
The Governor described the meeting as a welcome development and an opportunity to expand economic collaboration between Abia and Uganda, expressed delight at Uganda’s interest in partnering with Abia.
He promised that his administration would work closely with the Nigerian-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NUCCIMA) and the Ugandan High Commission to identify key areas of cooperation.
“Trade is one thing, but beyond trade, there is partnership. We must identify what both sides need and how to exchange ideas and work together for the benefit of Nigeria and Uganda
He said that his administration has been deliberate in supporting MSMEs because they remain the backbone of Abia’s economy.
Governor Otti described Abia as a hub of creativity and entrepreneurship, particularly in Aba, where local manufacturers are producing goods that rival global standards.
“If you are looking for people who are entrepreneurs, creative and ingenious, people who can make anything, look no further than Aba and Abia State.
“You may be amazed at the quality coming from Aba, sometimes you cannot differentiate it from what comes from Europe or North America.
“The people here are not looking for palliatives or handouts, they want government to create the enabling environment, and they will take it and run.
“That is why we have focused on infrastructure, security, clean environment, and constant power supply to make their businesses thrive”, Governor Otti stated.
Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb Philip Cohen Odida
Earlier, the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Ochen Odida, said the delegation together with the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, is in the State to “explore concrete avenues of economic cooperation between Abia State and Uganda, especially in the MSME sector, which forms the backbone of our economies”.
“Our objective is to lay the foundation for a sustainable and mutually beneficial economic bridge between Abia State and Uganda,” Odida affirmed.
“We look forward to establishing follow-up mechanisms for business-to-business engagements, trade missions, and cooperative frameworks that convert this goodwill into tangible results”, he said.
Ambassador Odida commended Governor Otti’s achievements in governance and enterprise and described Abia as “a rising centre of innovation, enterprise and economic dynamism in Nigeria”
He noted that that Uganda views Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa’s economic renaissance adding that Abia’s model of industrial revival under Governor Otti’s leadership inspires confidence.
President NUCCIMA Chief Micheal Awunor
“Abia State, under your visionary leadership, has emerged as a model of good governance, prudent financial management, and successful industrial revival.
“We see immense opportunity in connecting Abia’s world-renowned manufacturing and creative clusters with Uganda’s vibrant private sector and regional market access”, Amb Odida stated.
He emphasised the need for collaboration within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that such partnerships would boost innovation, value addition and job creation.
Earlier in his contribution, the President of the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NUCCIMA), Chief Michael Awunor, said Abia was chosen as a partner State because of its thriving SME ecosystem and the State Government’s active support.
“Abia has been working and now, Abia is even working more”, Chief Awunor said.
He added that Uganda, with a population of about 45 million, represents a large potential market for products from Abia’s SMEs, especially those in manufacturing and crafts.
The Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, were among the dignitaries present at the meeting.
