NEWS
Abia State Inaugurates NAADI Committee, Moves to Unlock Agribusiness Potential and Expand Greenhouse Farming
The Abia State Government has inaugurated the Planning and Implementation Committee for the commissioning of the Nigeria Agri-Business and Agri-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), marking another major step towards transforming the state’s agricultural sector and accelerating economic diversification.
The committee comprises members drawn from key ministries, including the Ministries of Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Industry and SMEs, as well as representatives of the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, the National Research Institute, and other critical stakeholders whose expertise will drive the successful implementation of the initiative.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Prince Kanu explained that the partnership between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government under the NAADI programme is strategically designed to harness the state’s enormous agricultural potential, stimulate investment in agribusiness, and strengthen agro-industrial development as part of efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil.
He disclosed that Abia is set to become the ninth state in Nigeria to implement the initiative, noting that the official commissioning date will be announced after the conclusion of ongoing engagements between officials of the Abia State Government and the Federal Government.
Highlighting the significance of the programme, the Commissioner said, “The NAADI partnership is designed to unlock Abia vast agribusiness and agro-industrial potential, promote economic diversification and accelerate growth in the non-oil sector through agro-processing.“
In a related development, Prince Kanu also announced that the State Executive Council has approved the establishment of two greenhouses in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. The project, to be executed through the Ministry of Agriculture, is aimed at advancing Governor Alex Otti’s vision of promoting year-round vegetable production through controlled-environment farming.
The greenhouse initiative is expected to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, boost the production of high-value crops, and provide farmers with modern farming techniques that reduce the impact of seasonal weather variations while creating new economic opportunities across the state.