Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has pledged the full support of his administration for an Egyptian pharmaceutical company, Utopia, as it seeks to establish a drug manufacturing plant in the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Egypt-based firm in his office at Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA. The delegation was led by Eze Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere and the representative of Utopia, Mr Kamel Muhamed.
Governor Otti described the proposed investment as a significant step towards accelerating industrialization and economic growth in Abia, stressing that manufacturing rather than the mere distribution of finished products would create jobs, stimulate local economic activity and enhance technology transfer.
“We are very happy with your presentation. And I’m very pleased that you are looking at setting up production plant. Not just sales, because we could as well produce anywhere, make profit and all that.
“But for us as a government, it is important to generate economic activities. And you generate economic activity by production. Because when you set up a production plant, you create jobs.
“Then you improve the GDP of the State, you reduce poverty. And then you transfer technology, like you said. Even though there is still an argument in the literature whether technology is transferable or not.
“So you can take it for granted that this government will support you to set up the manufacturing plant, and from there, you can export to other parts of West Africa”, the governor said.
He advised the investors to consider the Ukwa axis of the state as the preferred location for the proposed facility, citing the area’s strategic advantages, including the availability of natural gas, reliable electricity supplied by Geometric Power and ample land for industrial development.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that access to land would not pose a challenge, adding that his administration would facilitate community engagement through Eze Apostle Chinyere to ensure a smooth take-off of the project.
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, to engage further with the investors and provide the necessary government support to advance the proposal.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Eze Apostle Chibuzoe Chinyere said he invited the pharmaceutical company to invest in Abia because of Governor Otti’s commitment to improving the healthcare sector.
He disclosed that the company would also conduct a pilot presentation of its anti-malaria products in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Muhamed Kamel said Utopia was seeking a partnership with the Abia State Government to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant that would serve both Nigeria and the wider West African market.
He noted that the company already operates within the framework of an existing Memorandum of Understanding between Egypt and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on drug registration.
According to him, Utopia has successfully implemented similar manufacturing projects in Tanzania and other African countries and hopes to replicate the model in Abia, positioning Nigeria as a hub for advanced pharmaceutical technology.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, the Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Odochi Azubuike and other senior government officials were present during the meeting.
