Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has requested assistance from the United States consulate in advancing trade, investment, and various other sectors of interest within the state. This appeal was made during a meeting on Wednesday with Mike Ervin, the Political and Economic Section Chief of the US Consulate in Lagos, who was visiting the state with his team for official purposes.
Governor Otti outlined several challenges facing the state, particularly in the business realm, such as limited access to financing, inadequate power supply, and logistical support, particularly in the digital economy sphere.
Regarding the power situation, Governor Otti mentioned that the imminent commissioning of the Geometric power plant by President Bola Tinubu on February 26, 2024, would address the power deficit in Aba, a significant commercial center in the state.
Highlighting Abia’s prominence as a major trading and industrial center in Nigeria, Governor Otti emphasized Aba’s substantial presence in shoemaking, fabric, and garment manufacturing. He expressed regret over past infrastructural neglect which led to the relocation of businesses from Aba to other states but noted a recent trend of businesses returning, attributing it to his administration’s efforts in road rehabilitation, particularly in Aba.
Governor Otti proposed collaboration with the United States to address challenges such as power supply and access to finance, suggesting mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency funding.
In his remarks, Mike Ervin, representing the US Consulate in Lagos, articulated their mission to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria, covering the 17 southern states of Nigeria, including Abia.