ABIA–TURKIYE ECONOMIC TIES STRENGTHENED AS GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI DECLARES OPEN THE 1ST ABIA–TURKIYE INVESTMENT SUMMIT & PRODUCT EXHIBITION IN UMUAHIA

Abia State has taken a major leap in its quest for global economic partnerships as Governor Dr Alex Otti officially declared open the 1st Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit & Product Exhibition with the theme “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity.”

The landmark summit, which drew high-level investors, business leaders, and international delegates, was conceived to promote mutually beneficial economic partnerships and deepen bilateral trade and investment flows between Abia State, the Republic of Turkiye, and Nigeria at large.

Declaring the three-day summit open at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti, in his speech titled “Prosperity Through Partnership,” reaffirmed his administration’s determination to attract global collaborations that would unlock fresh economic opportunities for Abians. He described the summit as a strategic milestone towards expanding the State’s economic frontiers and positioning Abia as a rising destination for manufacturing, agriculture, SME development, and industrial innovation.

Governor Otti encouraged Turkish investors to take advantage of the State’s vast potential in agriculture, textile production, manufacturing, and value-chain development. He further urged them to engage with local entrepreneurs to forge partnerships that would strengthen Abia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

“One thing you can be sure of is the steady support of the state government to make success of your ventures.

“You may wish to explore opportunities in manufacturing, retail value chains, logistics and transportation.

“You may also like to know that Abia has a specific set of advantages in fabrics and leather works.

“Do well to look in and identify suitable business ecosystems you can plug into. For consistently rewarding returns on investments, pay special attention to opportunities in Housing development, Manufacturing, Metal Fabrications and similar opportunities that the expanding economy of the city can support”, Governor Otti said.

The Governor highlighted Abia’s growing competitive edge, noting the availability of a skilled labour force, improved energy supply across strategic locations, strengthened security architecture, and upgraded road infrastructure, factors he said now make Abia a credible hub for large-scale and sustainable investments.

He also spotlighted the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) in Ukwa, a 2,000-hectare industrial cluster designed to support manufacturing and energy-driven enterprises while providing investors access to the region’s oil and gas potential.

According to him, his administration’s investments in “economic infrastructure are designed to create wealth, activate new front lines of opportunities, and put demand access to productive use.”

In his remarks, the Commercial Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria, Fatih Tonzogho, reaffirmed Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships. He stressed that the nation’s engagement with Africa has been a deliberate and consistent policy since its launch by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2003. Tonzogho described Africa with over 1.5 billion people and a GDP exceeding 3.5 trillion USD—as the future powerhouse of global economic growth. He expressed optimism that the Abia–Turkiye Summit would evolve into a regular platform for expanding trade relations and pledged Turkiye’s continued participation in future editions.

The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Mrs Salome Obiukwu, described the summit as a strategic initiative to deepen economic cooperation and attract global investment. She emphasized that Abia is fully open for business and innovation, citing Turkiye’s strengths in manufacturing, textiles, defence technologies, and agro-processing. She also reaffirmed Abia’s position as Nigeria’s SME capital, endowed with strong capabilities in renewable energy, modular fabrication, and agro-fashion processing.

She called on Turkish investors to seize opportunities in factory establishment, joint ventures, and new trade routes, expressing confidence that the summit will drive job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across the State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership, High Chief Green Amankwe, praised Governor Otti for the far-reaching reforms that have positioned Abia as an investment-ready State and a preferred destination for both local and international investors.

The summit product exhibition showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of Aba the commercial heartbeat of Abia through displays of locally manufactured goods, B2B matchmaking sessions, direct investor engagements, strategic networking, and collaborative opportunities aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth.

The 1st Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit marks a defining moment in the State’s march towards global economic integration, signaling a new era of prosperity anchored on strat egic international partnerships.