The United Kingdom has indicated its readiness to deepen economic ties with Abia State, with a focus on investment, digital development, power, waste management and other areas of mutual interest.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter, disclosed this on Wednesday during a two-day working visit to the state, where he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Deputy High Commissioner said the UK was interested in initiatives capable of attracting private capital and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s recent State Visit to the UK as a reflection of the depth of relations between both countries.
Baxter said the UK-Nigeria relationship was built on “shared interests and values and shared experiences and so much depth”, adding that economic cooperation remained a key area of interest.
He identified the Financial Sector Deepening Africa programme and Digital Access Programme as two UK-supported initiatives currently active in Abia.
He said Financial Sector Deepening Africa was working with Kaltani to mobilise private finance for an integrated waste management and recycling project.
According to Baxter, the Digital Access Programme is aimed at supporting digital inclusion through policy, regulation, infrastructure and capacity building.
He added that connectivity hubs were also being developed in Arochukwu and Okporoenyi.
The UK Deputy High Commissioner who had earlier visited the Geometric Power Aba Ltd, identified electricity as a major constraint to Nigeria’s economic growth.
While noting that the British technology was being used in the plant’s metering system to strengthen consumer confidence, Baxter said that the Aba model demonstrated how reliable electricity and payment could support sustainable private-sector power provision.
Baxter disclosed that the UK was ready to help connect Abia businesses with potential investors and supply chains in Britain.
He also expressed interest in Abia’s recent migration summit, saying efforts to create incentives for skilled Nigerians to remain and contribute to their communities were important.
Responding, Governor Otti said Abia was ready to deepen economic cooperation with Britain, particularly in power, manufacturing, waste management and healthcare.
The Governor said that UK Deputy High Commissioner’s visit to Aba Power and Ariaria International Market provided an opportunity to see the state’s economic potential.
He said the state was partnering with the Federal Government on an international airport project expected to significantly improve access to Aba.
Governor Otti said that Geometric Power Aba Limited had struggled for about two decades before becoming operational in 2024, adding that his administration subsequently worked with the FG to address gas supply challenges affecting the power project.
The Governor noted that power supply facility currently covered the nine Local Government Areas within the Aba Ring-Fenced Electricity Area.
The governor added that reliable electricity would reduce manufacturers’ dependence on generators, diesel and maintenance, thereby improving competitiveness.
“Once you have reliable power, whatever the cost is, it’s still going to be cheaper than not having reliable power”, he said.
Governor Otti said that Aba’s manufacturing ecosystem had significant potential, particularly in footwear and other locally produced goods.
He said that the state government had established an Export Growth Lab, supported by the UNDP to improve product finishing, packaging and export readiness.
Governor Otti said that the state government was also seeking to extend the Geometric Power model beyond Aba to other parts of Abia.
He disclosed that discussions were ongoing to acquire relevant rights for Umuahia Ring-Fenced Area from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to enable the state develop an integrated power system.
The governor also urged British investors to explore opportunities in Abia, saying the state’s people were productive and interested in sustainable economic partnerships.
Governor Otti said that the state’s discussions with Kaltani began in 2023, particularly around addressing waste management and developing commercial opportunities from waste.
He also raised the issue of migration, saying the state was concerned about the movement of skilled professionals, particularly healthcare workers, to foreign countries.
The Governor added that the state government had begun the process of recruiting nearly 1,000 additional healthcare professionals, with about 200 vacancies still outstanding.
Governor Otti disclosed that the state was also discussing the establishment of a medical city with a company working with UK Export Finance.
He said the proposed project was intended to help reverse medical tourism by providing quality healthcare facilities within Abia, adding that the state was seeking private-sector partnership for the project.
