Abia State to Partner Rubber Research Institute for Economic Growth, Job Creation
In a move aimed at diversifying the State’s economy and returning to its agricultural roots, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has announced plans to partner with the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) to boost rubber production, create jobs, and enhance the State’s contribution to national GDP.
The Governor disclosed this during a working visit by the leadership of the Rubber Research Institute, led by its Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, to the Government House in Umuahia.
Governor Otti emphasized that the partnership would be geared towards reviving rubber as a major agricultural commodity, not just for domestic use but for large-scale processing, packaging, and export. He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, and the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, to immediately commence discussions with the RRIN team to flesh out details and modalities for implementation.
“In the next few days, we need to sit down and flesh out all the details of where you want us to come in. We can even set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to make this happen,” Governor Otti stated.
He noted that Nigeria must no longer downplay the economic potential of its agricultural products, particularly rubber, which was once a major pillar of the national economy prior to the oil boom.
“There is no reason for us to ignore agro-services and products that sustained our economy before oil. The world is transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy. In that future, oil may hold no value. Rubber, on the other hand, holds industrial, medical, and economic value for decades to come,” Otti warned.
The Governor expressed strong support for the initiative, stressing that his administration is committed to exploring innovative and sustainable economic strategies for job creation and wealth generation.
Earlier, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Chairman of the RRIN Governing Board, said the Institute seeks to align with the presidential initiative for revitalizing rubber production across the country, with a focus on employment generation and rural development.
“Nigeria currently ranks 10th in rubber production in Africa. This should not be so. With the industrial potential of rubber and the capacity of states like Abia, we can reposition ourselves to lead Africa in rubber output,” Barr. Eba said.
He acknowledged Abia’s historical role in rubber development, citing the presence of the Akwete substation and the state’s strong industrial culture as a solid foundation for renewed investment in rubber.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of RRIN, Mrs. Lilian Nkechi Dongo, highlighted the Institute’s exclusive mandate for research and development of rubber and other latex-producing plants in Nigeria.
She emphasized that a well-structured partnership with Abia would advance national rubber production and contribute to overcoming Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“Rubber alone can take Nigeria out of its current economic crisis. We are here to seek collaboration with Abia State and request your support to host our upcoming international rubber conference later this year,” she stated.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, and the Commissioner for Industry and SME Development, Mazi Mike Akpara, who pledged readiness to engage fully with the RRIN for the success of the initiative.
With this strategic alliance, Abia State is set to become a hub for modern rubber production and industrialization, in line with Governor Otti’s vision for a diversified and resilient economy.
