FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Government has expressed readiness to partner with the Republic of Uganda and other international bodies to scale up the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
Governor Alex Otti, OFR, made this known on when he received a delegation from the Ugandan High Commission led by Ambassador Philip Ocham Odida at Government House, Umuahia.
Governor Otti reaffirmed that his administration has been deliberate and strategic in supporting MSMEs, describing the sector as the “backbone” of Abia’s economy.
“When it has to do with MSMEs, the capital is here in Abia — and we are not arrogant about it, it’s the truth,” the Governor declared. “If you are looking for entrepreneurial, creative, and ingenious people who can make anything, you need to look no further than Aba and Abia State.”
He noted that since assuming office about 29 months ago, his administration has taken bold steps to empower small businesses by improving infrastructure, security, environmental cleanliness, and access to power — all aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Governor Otti added that Abia’s population of about 4.8 million people possesses unique skills in craftsmanship, fashion, and fabrication, with products that can compete favourably on the global stage.
“Our people are not looking for palliatives or handouts; they only want government to create the enabling environment, and they will take it from there,” he said. “That is why we are focused on building infrastructure, making the state safe, and providing support systems that help businesses thrive.”
The Governor directed key government officials to immediately engage with the Ugandan delegation to identify areas of collaboration and partnership.
“Trade is one thing, but beyond trade, there is partnership. We want to know what our people need, what your people need, and how we can work together for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and Uganda,” he said.
In his remarks, the Ugandan High Commissioner, Ambassador Philip Ocham Odida, commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, fiscal discipline, and commitment to industrial revival — qualities he described as a model of good governance in Africa.
Ambassador Odida said the Ugandan delegation’s visit aimed to explore sustainable avenues for economic cooperation between Uganda and Abia, especially in the MSME sector, which he described as the “lifeblood of every economy.”
“Abia State is emerging as a centre of innovation, enterprise, and economic dynamism in Nigeria,” he noted. “We are here to build a bridge of cooperation that will benefit both economies and strengthen Africa’s industrial growth.”
Also present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara; Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Obiukwu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem; and the Director General, Bureau of Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, among others.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 31, 2025.
