NEWS
Abia Strengthens Made-in-Nigeria Drive as Otti’s Administration Partners National Brand Development Initiative
The Abia State Government has reinforced its commitment to advancing indigenous products, strengthening local industries and positioning the state as Nigeria’s foremost manufacturing and entrepreneurship hub with the commencement of a strategic partnership with the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project.
The renewed commitment was demonstrated when a high-powered delegation from the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at the Government House, Umuahia, to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at promoting Nigerian-made products and expanding opportunities for local manufacturers.
The delegation was led by the Executive Director of the project, Hon. Nwabueze George, alongside the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Alhaji Oladijoye Musiliu.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering dedication to implementing policies that encourage local production, entrepreneurship and industrialisation.
He noted that the Otti-led government is deliberately building a resilient and diversified economy anchored on innovation, enterprise, manufacturing and private sector growth.
He emphasized that creating an enabling environment for businesses and promoting value addition remain central to the administration’s economic transformation agenda, which seeks to unlock the enormous potential of Abia’s industrial sector while creating sustainable employment opportunities for residents.
Also speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Michael Akpara, welcomed the visiting delegation and reiterated the state’s readiness to collaborate with the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project in expanding the frontiers of small and medium-sized enterprises across Abia.
According to him, Abia has continued to distinguish itself as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for entrepreneurship, innovation and manufacturing, particularly through its vibrant indigenous industries. He expressed optimism that the proposed partnership would significantly improve the visibility, competitiveness and market reach of products manufactured within the state.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, Hon. Nwabueze George, highlighted the urgent need to promote Nigerian-made goods and build strong indigenous brands capable of competing effectively in regional and international markets.
He explained that the initiative is designed to enhance the visibility of locally manufactured products, encourage increased patronage of indigenous goods, stimulate economic growth and create new market opportunities for Nigerian businesses and manufacturers.
As part of the project’s activities, George announced that the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project will hold from September 22 to 26, 2026, bringing together stakeholders from across the country to showcase indigenous products, deepen collaboration among industry players and advance the national Made-in-Nigeria campaign.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman of the project’s Technical Committee, Alhaji Oladijoye Musiliu, applauded Governor Alex Chioma Otti for what he described as the administration’s remarkable strides in rebuilding Abia State and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investments.
He stressed the importance of stronger partnerships among governments, manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises and investors as a catalyst for accelerating industrial growth, boosting local production and achieving sustainable national development.
The meeting also explored practical strategies for promoting local content, supporting SMEs, attracting investment into the manufacturing sector and positioning Nigerian products for wider acceptance in both domestic and international markets.
Among those in attendance were the Special Adviser to the Governor on SMEs, Lady Chinwe Kanu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and SMEs, Dr. Okey Ihemanma; the Abia State Coordinator of the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, Mrs. Nwosu Chinyere; and the Ministry’s Legal Adviser, Ba
rr. Forgiveness Madukairo.