The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has said that Abia is prepared to complement Lagos as a thriving economic hub in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0 at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Monday, Governor Otti joined His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, fellow governors, distinguished guests, and international investors to present Abia’s growth trajectory.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating a platform where Nigerian states could showcase their strengths. “Lagos is a megacity, but Nigeria’s progress demands several prosperous cities capable of absorbing growth,” he remarked.
Governor Otti disclosed that Aba, after two decades of sustained effort, now enjoys round-the-clock electricity through Geometric Power. He described this as the bedrock for industrialisation, manufacturing, and investor confidence. According to him, reliable power from Aba will soon be extended to Umuahia and other parts of the state, “for energy remains the lifeblood of economic growth”.
He further noted that in three years, his administration had completed over 400 roads, introduced electric buses, and delivered infrastructure to make transportation more efficient and environmentally sustainable.
On healthcare, the Governor said Abia had been ranked Nigeria’s most prepared state for health emergencies in the SBM 2025 Report. This, he attributed to the refurbishment of hundreds of health centres, the recruitment of over 800 medical professionals, and the allocation of 15 per cent of the state’s budget to the sector. He also unveiled the Abia Medical City project, for which 200 hectares of land and access roads have been provided, and which now awaits investors to develop it into a world-class healthcare ldestination.
The governor also highlighted the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, endowed with oil and gas resources and being positioned as the foundation for future industries.
He stressed that the state was not in competition with Lagos, but rather sought to complement it. “Nigeria’s prosperity requires multiple cities of opportunity, and Abia stands ready to deliver,” he affirmed.
He assured investors that Abia, like Lagos, is open, prepared, and poised for growth. “Together, we shall build a Nigeria where enterprise thrives, healthcare flourishes, and innovation leads the way,” he said.