Abia State Partners Uganda to Strengthen MSMEs and Global Trade Collaboration

The Abia State Government has announced plans to partner with the Republic of Uganda to expand opportunities in the Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. Governor Alex Otti made this known on Thursday, October 30, when he received the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Ocham Odida, and his delegation in Umuahia.

Governor Otti said his administration remains intentional about supporting MSMEs, describing them as the backbone of Abia’s economy. He stated that Abia is a leading hub for creativity and enterprise in Nigeria, particularly in the production of shoes, fabrics, and fashion items that can compete globally.

“When it has to do with MSMEs, the capital is here in Abia. If you are looking for people who are entrepreneurial, creative, and ingenious, you need to look no further than Aba and Abia State,” Otti said.

He emphasized that his government’s focus has been on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive rather than offering palliatives. According to him, Abians are hardworking people who only need good infrastructure, security, and power to scale their businesses.

“We understand that our people do not need handouts. They only need a supportive environment. That’s why we are investing in infrastructure, power, and security to make the state business-friendly,” he added.

The governor directed key government officials, including the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, and the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Obiukwu, to engage with the Ugandan delegation to identify practical areas of collaboration.

Governor Otti noted that while trade is important, partnership and knowledge exchange between Abia and Uganda would bring greater long-term benefits. “Trade is one thing, but beyond trade, there is partnership. We must identify what both sides need and how we can exchange ideas to benefit both Nigeria and Uganda,” he said.

Ambassador Odida, in his remarks, said the Ugandan government was eager to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial economic bridge with Abia State. He praised the Otti administration for its achievements in governance, financial management, and industrial revival, describing Abia as a rising center of innovation and enterprise in Nigeria.

“Our mission here is to explore ways to deepen cooperation between Uganda and Abia, especially in the MSME sector which remains the backbone of every economy,” Ambassador Odida stated.

The visit ended with both parties agreeing to develop a framework for collaboration in trade, enterprise development, and capacity building. Top officials including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, were also in attendance.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Abia as a leading hub for MSME growth and international business partnerships.