NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Pledges Full Support as Egyptian Pharmaceutical Firm, Utopia Targets Drug Manufacturing Plant in Abia
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors, pledging the full support of the state government to Utopia, an Egyptian pharmaceutical company proposing to establish a drug manufacturing plant in Abia State.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, while receiving a delegation from the Egypt-based pharmaceutical firm in his office. The delegation was led by Eze Apostle Gift Chibuzor Chinyere, who facilitated the proposed investment visit, alongside the Chairman of Utopia, Dr. Kamel Mohamed.
Welcoming the investors, Governor Otti expressed delight over the company’s decision to establish a production facility in Abia rather than merely marketing its products in the state. He emphasized that manufacturing investments are critical to stimulating economic growth, creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, and boosting the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We are very happy with your presentation. And I’m very pleased that you are looking at setting up production plant. Not just sales, because you could as well produce anywhere, sell, make profit and all that.
“But for us as a government, it is important to generate economic activities. And you generate economic activity by production. Because when you set up a production plant, you create jobs.
“Then, you improve the GDP of the State, you reduce poverty. And then you transfer technology, like you said.
“Even though there is still an argument in the literature whether technology is transferable or not.
“So, you can take it for granted that this government will support you, to set up the manufacturing plant, and from there, you can export to other parts of Nigeria and West Africa,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti encouraged the company to consider locating the proposed manufacturing facility within the Ukwa or Osisioma axis of the state, highlighting the strategic advantages of the area, including the availability of natural gas and reliable electricity supplied by Geometric Power. He assured the investors that land acquisition would not pose any challenge, stressing that the state government is prepared to make land available for the project.
Governor Otti further noted that issues relating to host community engagement and relations would be coordinated by HRH Apostle Gift Chibuzor Chinyere to ensure a smooth implementation of the investment.
To demonstrate the government’s readiness to facilitate the project, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, to continue discussions with the investors and provide every necessary support required to bring the project to fruition.
Earlier, while introducing the delegation, HRH Apostle Gift Chibuzor Chinyere of Ikwu Orie Ohanku Autonomous Community in Ukwa East Local Government Area explained that he invited the Egyptian pharmaceutical company to Abia because of Governor Otti’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector. He also disclosed that the company would conduct a pilot presentation of its anti-malaria products in the state before concluding its visit.
In his presentation, the Chairman of Utopia, Dr. Kamel Mohamed, said the company was seeking collaboration with the Abia State Government towards establishing a pharmaceutical production plant that would serve both Nigeria and the wider West African market.
Dr. Mohamed explained that there is already an existing Memorandum of Understanding between Egypt, where the company is based, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on drug registration, adding that the firm is coming to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
He revealed that Utopia’s vision is to make Nigeria a hub for advanced pharmaceutical technology, noting that the company has successfully executed similar projects in Tanzania and other countries. He expressed confidence that the partnership with the Abia State Government would succeed under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche; the Chief Executive Officer of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike; the Chief Medical Director of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, as well as other 
senior government officials.