iI
HISTORY:
Abia State Nigeria was carved out of old Imo State on August 27, 1991 with
Umuahia as its capital. The State is made up of seventeen (17) Local
Government Areas. It is one of the five states in the Southeast geopolitical zone
of Nigeria. The name ABIA was coined from the first letters of the names of the
geo-political groups that originally made up the State, namely: Aba, Bende,
Isuikwuato and Afikpo. Today, Afikpo is in Ebonyi State that was created in
October, 1996.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND CLIMATE: Abia State is situated between
latitudes 04°45' and 06° 07f north and longitudes 07° 00' and 08° IO1 east. Imo,
Anambra and Rivers border it in the west, northwest and southwest respectively.
AN INVESTMENT HAVEN
GUIDE TO INVESTMENT IN ABIA STATE
To the north, northeast, east and southeast, it is bordered by Enugu, Ebonyi,
Cross-River an Akwa Ibom States respectively. It belongs to the Southeast
geopolitical zone of Nigeria and covers a landmass of 5,833.77 sq. km.
The State is located within the forest belt of Nigeria with a temperature range of
between 20°C -36°C lying within the tropics. It has the dry and rainy seasons (October - March and April September respectively).
POPULATION:
By the projection of the National Bureau of Statistics, based on the 1991 census
figure of I. million, Abia State was expected to have a population of 3.51 million.
In 2006 the National Population Commission allocated 2,833,999 as the
population of Abia State.
This figure is being contested at the population tribunal. The basis being that the
survey carried out in Aba showed that Aba alone has 1.5m houses. Taking each
building to house four (4) persons, conservative figure), it means that Aba alone
has a population of at the least 6.0m. When the other towns and communities
are put into consideration, then Abia is well over 10 million people.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Culture is the way of life of a people. It concerns all the interests of the people
and is evolved in an attempt by a people to meet the challenge of living in their
environment. Culture gives order and meaning to the people's social, political,
economic, aesthetic and religious norms and organizations thus distinguishing a
people from their neighbors.
Abia people are of Igbo extraction living with people of other ethnic origin as well
as some foreign nationals. These people live and work in the State in a very
peaceful and congenial atmosphere. The native language is Igbo while the
official language is English. The Igbos are known to be industrious, creative,
dynamic, hospitable, republican and are found in other parts of Nigeria (no
matter how remote). They are largely Christians.
In the northern and part of the central zones of the
State, the Age Grade System drives community development. In the southern
and the remaining part of the central zone, development is driven by Community
Development Associations. Women also play significant roles in community
development. Crafts abound and are identifiable with some areas. For example,
Akwette is known for weaving Akwette cloth, which is a beauty to behold with
very colorful designs; Uturu is notable for Mat, Basket (Nkata) and Thatch
(Akrika) making.
Culture is not merely a return to the customs of the past; rather it embodies the
attitude of the people to the future of its traditional values in a world, which has
become a global village. Culture, therefore, has become an essential factor of
development and progress and the fountain spring of all policies whether
educational, social, political or economic.
OCCUPATION
The major occupation of the people is agriculture especially in the rural areas.
Over 70% of the population is involved in agriculture as an occupation. This is
supported by the rich soil in most parts of the State.
The major food crops identified with the State and cultivated in large
quantities are Oil Palm, Cocoa, Rubber, Cassava, Yam, Cashew, Kolanuts and
Coconut. The people also engage in livestock and fish farming. Apart from
agriculture, commerce is another major occupation of the people of Abia State.
The Ariaria International Market Aba, which is one of the largest markets in the
West African sub-region and contributes greatly to commerce in Nigeria
INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
The State boasts of a number of industries, which, among others include Aba
Textile Mills Pic (not producing meanwhile), Star Paper Mills, Aba, International
Glass Industries Ltd., Unilever Pic, and PZ Pic. International Equitable
Association of Nigeria (all in Aba), Guinness Nigeria Plc., Osisioma, Golden
Guinea Breweries Pic, Umuahia (which has been out of production for some
time now but undergoing rehabilitation and refurbishment), Abia Golden Chicken
Ltd, Ogwe (being privatized), the Metallurgical complex (privatized) and the
Power Plant Projects at Umuobasiukwu in Ugwunagbo LGA.
There is also the Modern Ceramics Umuahia, which was recently privatized and
reactivated and now called UCL Modern Ceramics Ltd, Abia Palm Company was
also privatized and reactivated and now goes by the name Fri-el Abia Palm
Company Ltd. Ohambele. The last two are under PPP arrangement. There are
many other Small and Medium-scale industries that are into Paints, Vegetable
Oil, and Lubricants production.
The impact in the industrial sector that the Aba small-scale artisans have made
as a result of their ingenuity and technical and innovative prowess has earned
Aba the name "JAPAN OF AFRICA". The products of all these Micro-Industrial
concerns find their way into local and International markets. By the collaborative
effort of UNIDO, Federal Government of Nigeria, Abia State Government and
some entrepreneurs at Aba, a Common Facility Centre (CFC) has been put in
place with the company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of
Nigeria. This is a PPP arrangement.
Abia State has vibrant SMEs and effective Chambers of Commerce and Industry
in Aba and Umuahia.
There is an expected increase in commerce following the Inland Container
Depot project at Isiala Ngwa, which the Abia State Government is effectively
participating in.
POLICY THRUST
The State's thrust is clear. It is in tandem with the current Federal Government
agenda on socio economic development as well as the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs). It is expected that by the year 2020 Abia State would have
overcome up to 50% of its housing problem, ensured that it does not only
increase its agriculture produce (cash and food crops) for life sustenance, but
would have put "mi place processes to add value to the produce to attract better
revenue.
It is noteworthy that Abia State is collaborating with the National Independent
Power Project (NIPP), to build a Power Plant at Umuobasiukwu in Ugwunagbo,
which when completed will give life to inventions, innovations etc. in Aba the
"Japan of Africa". With these, more SMEs will return to business, more
employment would be created and poverty drastically alleviated. At the nations
level, the state would have contributed greatly to the GDP.
AGRICULTURE
Provide an enabling environment (like incentives and tax holiday) for the private
sector to thrive and also attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI);
Adopt a Participatory approach in agricultural production
- provision of infrastructure for preservation and processing of agricultural
products
avail farmers of high yielding disease-free agricultural inputs.
WORKS & TRANSPORT
-Aggressively rehabilitate and construct roads to ease communication and
flow of goods.
EDUCATION
While looking at avenues that will help create employment and reduce poverty,
the State recognizes that education is critical in manpower development.
The State is working to provide and sustain qualitative education through
increased investment in infrastructures, scholarship awards, and payment of
counterpart cash contribution on MDGs.
HEALTH
Health is an area that will create good environment for investors and economic
well being of the people.
To ensure unhindered qualitative and affordable health care delivery to meet
MDGs. The State has adopted PPP approach in the primary, secondary and
tertiary health care system.
The State has partnered with a private firm (MECURE) to put in place two world
class Specialist and Diagnostic centres in the capital city Umuahia and Aba the
commercial hub with annexes across the State.
HOUSING
Provide affordable housing through PPP.
Other areas of the Government Policy thrust are:
Provision of safe and potable water
Security for all, Security will create good environment for investors and
economic well being of the people. The State is in partnership with its citizens
and security agencies to sustain the present low level of crime while targeting a
zero crime rate environment.
Good governance and Due Process:
Abia is committed to meeting the benchmark for good governance. The State
has involved experts, local and foreign to support its institutional capacity.
Accountability is the watchword amongst workers and the cost of doing business
has been made suitable for investors.
ABIA STATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
World Bank Programs/projects:
ABCPRP, which terminated in 2009
CSDP, which was launched in the State in March 2010
FAD AM A III
HSDPII
OTHER INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES PROGRAMMES
UNFPA
UNICEF
IFAD-CBNRMP
IFAD/I1TA/CMD-CED/ICP
UNITAR
EU/MP
EU/MPP launched in 2010
UNDP Country Programme
UNIDO Partnership with the State at the Common Facility Centre, Aba.
USEFUL CONTACTS
governortaorji@abiastate.gov.ng
investinabia@abiastate.gov.ng
samson.o@abiastate.gov.ng, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry
emekaenyiazu@abiastate.gov.ng PA to the Executive Governor
cnwakodo@abiastate.gov.ng Chief Economic Adviser
dikkonwachukwu@abiastate.gov.ng SA Trade and Investment/PPP
AN OVERVIEW OF
SECTORS IN ABIA STATE AND AREAS OF POSSIBLE INVESTMENT
ELECTRIC POWER
Abia State is at an advantaged position as far as power generation is concerned.
The State at the moment enjoys an average of 12 hours of electricity per day.
However, by the time all the measures being taken to shore up power generation
comes to fruition, the state should be one of the first States nationwide to enjoy
uninterrupted power supply.
The Governors of the South East Zone have pulled resources under a Joint
Venture Agreement to purchase the Enugu Distribution Company of the Power
Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The move will enable the South-East
Region control the generation and distribution of electricity within the region,
which will enhance efficiency and increase productivity.
Abia State Government is also vigorously partnering with Geometric Power
Incorporated to ensure the speedy realization of the Aba Independent Power
Project. The project, designed to generate and distribute 188 Mw of power to
Aba and surrounding cities has attained
95% as at October 2011 completion and we are optimistic that the project will
soon be commissioned.
Similarly, there is a National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Power Plant
nearing completion at Umuobasi, Ugwunagbo LG.A, near Aba. The 480Mw
Power Plant is one of the special intervention projects of the Federal
Government to boost power supply in Nigeria. The project has attained 90%
completion and is on track to be commissioned by the end of 2011.
We have equally intensified our drive towards rural electrification by distributing
electricity transformers to about 700 communities in Abia State to ensure that
they are connected to the National Electricity Grid.
This is in addition to Rural Electrification Works carried out in 48 Rural
Communities in Abia State.
Investors in the Power Sector are invited to take advantage of the vast
population and high commercial nature of Abia State to set up Power Plants.
WATER RESOURCE
In the area of Water Supply, the State is engaged in the constant maintenance
of existing water works while also opening up new Regional Water Schemes in
various communities in Abia State.
The Water Schemes in Abia State for which the State is willing to partner with
investors in their operations include;
i. Umuahia Regional Water Scheme
ii. Aba Regional Water Scheme
iii. Uzuakoli Water Scheme
iv. Elu-Ohafia Water Scheme
v. Ehimiri Water Scheme
vi. Abiriba Water Scheme
vii. Ubakala Water Scheme
viii. Afugiri Water Scheme
ix. Ariam Usaka
x. Nnono Water Scheme
xi. Igbere Water Scheme
xii. Mbawsi Water Scheme
xiii. Mbutu-Ngwa Water Scheme
xiv. Umuagbai Water Scheme
xv. Ogwe Water Scheme
xvi. Nkwo-Amiyi Water Scheme
xvii. UturuWateY Scheme
xviii. Olokoro Water Scheme
xix. Mbutu-Ukwu Water Scheme
The Abia State Government, though willing to execute these Water Schemes is
however interested in partnering with reputable private institutions, companies
and organizations to provide these services to the people of the State either on a
commercial or charity basis.
POWER STATIONS IN ABIA STATE
THE 280MW NIPP POWER STATION AT UMUOBASI-UKWU, UGWUNAGBO
LG.A NEAR ABA ALSO NEARING COMPLETION!
THE 2 STATIONS WHEN COMPLETE AND THE NEW PHASES ADDED WILL
PROVIDE A COMBINED 800MW OF ELECTRIC POWER TO ABIA
STATE AND BEYOND
THE 188 MW GEOMETRIC POWER STATION AT ABA NEARING
COMPLETION
BEYOND ANY SHADE OF DOUBT, ABIA STATE IS A WISE INVESTMENT
DESTINATION
EDUCATION
Abia State is a very fertile ground for sharp minds. The Abia State Universal
Basic Education Board has been making the State proud. The Agency came first
recently in the South East Zone in a survey of States that have diligently
implemented the Universal Basic Education Policy.
The award came with a cash prize of N70 Million Naira, ($50,000 USD) which
we used to commence the construction of a standard library in each of the three
Senatorial Zones in Abia State.
Within the year under review, our school children won the I st Prize in the NNPC
National Quiz Competition for Sciences for South East States held in Abakaliki,
1st Prize in PTDF Quiz Competition for the South East, 1 st Prize in Maltina
National Reading Competition held in Abuja, Emmanuel David Maduka won a
National Distinction as the Best Performing Student in May/June 2008 West
African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Our reactivated Scholarship Board has since been living up to expectations. The
State graduates and undergraduates are being offered study abroad
opportunities yearly.
Abia State is a goldmine for investors interested in Waste Management. The
State has a population of about 4 Million People and they are mostly urban
businessmen. The Commercial city of Aba is one huge market and as such, it
generates tonnes of refuse on a daily basis.
The Abia State Government is currently solely responsible for waste
management in the State and is desirous of partnering with waste management
organizations in tackling refuse in the State.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Abia is an investor's delight due to its huge potentials in the area of Commerce
and Industry. It has so many industrial concerns and is interested in partnerships
with reputable companies to revamp moribund companies while interested
companies are also invited to set up new ones. Aba, the famed commercial
capital East of the Niger possesses the expertise and savvy to reproduce any
technological product manufactured anywhere in the world.
Skilled and unskilled manpower abound in Abia State while Raw Materials for a
vast array of products are readily available.
At the moment, the Abia State Government is seeking partnerships in
developing the following projects.
1.
ABIA HOTELS LTD, UMUAHIA… Under the Government policy on
Privatisation & Commercialisation, the Abia State Government is
desirous of handing over Abia Hotels Ltd, Umuahia Branch to reputable
investors to develop it to a World Class hotel befitting a State Capital.
The hotel in its current state is located in the middle of Umuahia
metropolis and occupies a vast largely under utilised acreage of land.
2. UMUAHIA MODERN
MARKET, UBANI - IBEKU The Abia State Government at the inception of the
administration of Chief T.A. Orji, entered into an agreement with a consortium to
Build, Operate and Transfer an international modern market for Umuahia at
Ubani - Ibeku. However, the developer ran into financial constraints occasioned
by the Global Economic Meltdown in the course of the project and abandoned
the project. The agreement between the Abia State Government and the
developer has since been cancelled. The Abia State Government is therefore
inviting reputable investors to partner with the government to meet up with
desired target transfer date. It is instructive to point out that the currently existing
market structures are being developed by the government.
3. TIMBER AND ALLIED MARKET, UMUAHIA
This market is being relocated from Umuahia Urban Centre to Ajata-lsieke Ibeku
on the Umuahia Bende Road. The land acquisition procedure has been
concluded awaiting project developers to take over the project.
4. ABA INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL MARKET
This is conceptualized as a specialized market located in Osisioma area on
Aba/Owerri Expressway. The area of land available for the market is about 100
hectares. The project will greatly divert attention from the Aba metropolis thereby
aiding the decongestion of the city.
5. UMUKALIKA INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER
The industrial establishment in Umukalika, Obingwa Local Government Area is
designed to provide relocation facilities for leather/garments workers presently
operating in residential buildings within Aba Township and environs. The
relocation of operators in this industry will decongest available residential
accommodation in Aba as well as enhance the opportunities for employment in
the industry.
6. OVOM INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOP ESTATE
This project is designed to relocate Auto-Technicians and Allied Workers
operating in Aba metropolis, Ogbor Hill and environs. The Ovom Industrial
Workshop location covers an area of 8.1 hectares of land and will accommodate
various artisans such as Auto technicians, Welders, Spare Part Dealers and
related services. On completion of this project, the resultant mass movement of
these industrial workshop operators will decongest the urban Centre of Aba as
well as enhancing the aesthetics of Aba and environs.
7.
METALLURGICAL COMPLEX, ABA This is another long-moribund
company for which we require private investors to turn the fortunes of the
complex around.
8. ABIA HEALTH FOOD Ubakala in Umuahia was established as a pilot project
for Soya Milk production. The company was unable to sustain its activities and
closed down in 1994. Interested investors are invited to reactivate and
modernize the company.
EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS
1. THE GOLDEN GUINEA BREWERIES (THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE), UMUAHIA
Is on the verge of resuming full production after about seven years of inactivity.
Private investors and partners have been secured whilst work is currently
ongoing at the factory as engineers are installing new equipment bought for the
brewery. As soon as the internal works are completed, the plant will come back
to life and full production will commence. In addition to the existing range of lager
beer and Malt to be produced by the brewery, they are also installing equipment
for the production of bottled water.
2. THE INTERNATIONAL GLASS INDUSTRY, ABA
Which was leased to Churchgate Group, recently commissioned a new
production line, the first major activity in the industry for the past ten years. With
the commissioning of the new production line, the company is currently the
largest manufacturer of pharmaceutical bottles in Nigeria. With the new life
breathed into it by our administration, it is set to expand its operational base and
diversify into general glass productions. It will soon commence the production of
glass sheets used in manufacturing vehicle windshields, windowpanes and
sundry glass products.
3. MODULAR REFINERY, OWAZZA. We have entered into strategic partnership
with the Hermes Juno Consortium to develop several projects in Abia State. The
first is a Modular Refinery Project at Owazza in Ukwa-East Local Government
Area of the state. The Refinery also has as bye-product, a Fertilizer Plant within
the same complex. The company is also to construct a Housing Estate for
inhabitants of the area.
4. CEMENT FACTORY, AROCHUKWU The Hermes Juno Consortium also
won the bid for the setting up of a Cement Factory at Arochukwu. Abia State has
a rich Limestone reserve in Arochukwu. The Hermes Juno Group has moved to
site with actual physical development expected to commence shortly. More
investors are also needed in cement industry as abundant limestone reserve are
being discovered across the State
5. THE MORDERN CERAMICS INDUSTRIES: Is alive and fully functional. The
company, after 14 years of inactivity, was handed over to UCL Consortium,
promoted by the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia and with our support; they have
done a wonderful job to revitalize the place.
We gave the management of the company massive support in the areas of
infrastructural development i.e. factory complex and sundry assistance and
today, modern equipment imported from Italy for use at the factory have been
installed and full production has commenced. This was the major project the
then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned during his working visit to
Abia State on January 30,2009.
The Modern Ceramics Industries at full capacity employs about one thousand
direct staff while about three thousand individuals benefit from supplies,
distributions and contracts.
On the whole, our plan is to set Abia State on a pedestal where it will compete
favourably with its peers in the committee of industrialized states in Nigeria.
PETROLEUM, GAS AND SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT
Abia State is one of the key oil producing states, East of the Niger and Oil/Gas
occurs in most parts of Ukwa West and Ukwa East L.G.As. Much of the Gas is
being flared while the Crude Oil is being piped to the existing refineries in the
country.
Companies interested in setting up Modular and Regular Refineries as well as
Petroleum/Gas exploration will find Abia State a haven for their investments. So
far, only two companies are active in Gas development in the area, Shell
Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) and Millennium Oil and Gas
LTD. Evidently, more investors are required to fully, develop the potentials of the
area.
In addition, Abia State is one of the States richly blessed and endowed with wide
range of Solid Mineral resources to the extent that there is no Local Government
Council in the State that does not have a Mineral Deposit.
IDENTIFIED
NATURAL RESOURCES
IN ABIA STATE AND
THEIR LOCATIONS
ABIA STATE IS ENDOWED WITH THE FOLLOWING
NATURAL RESOURCES THAT YEARN FOR EXPLOITATION
AND PRODUCTION.
MINERAL
LOCATION
DEPOSITS
Salt
Umunneochi and Bende
Kaolin
Ikwuano, Umuahia So , Isuikwuato,
Isiala Ngwa North, Umunneochi,
Umuahia North and Umuahia
South, Ikwuano
Gelena
Umunneochi
Lignite
Umuahia and Isuikwuato
Gypsum
Umunneochi
Tar Sand
Isuikwuato, Arochukwu and Ohafia
Phosphate
Bende
Black Marble
Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa South,
Isuikwuato, Ugwunagbo and
Osisioma Ngwa
Copper
Ohafia
Gold
Bende and Ohafia
Lime Stone
Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende and
Umunneochi
Graphite
Isiala Ngwa South and Umunneochi
Barytes
Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia
South
Silica
Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Isiala
Ngwa South
Oil and Gas
Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Bende,
Ugwunagbo, Osisioma, Obingwa
and Aba South
Clay
Umuahia North, Ikwuano and
Bende
Timber
Umuahia North, Umuahia South,
Bende, Ohafia, Ukwa East and
Ukwa West
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (TREE AND CASH
CROPS),
THEIR LOCATIONS AND USES THAT PRESENT VERY GREAT
POTENTIALS FOR
ANY INTERESTED INVESTOR IN THE AREAS OF FOOD
PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION.
g| ECOLOGICAL ZONE/ AREA
USES
TREE CROPS
1
Cocoa
Bende, Arochukwu,
Food and
Ikwuano Umuahia, parts alcoholic
of Ukwa East and West beverages,
chocolates
and cocoa
butter and
soap
2
Rubber
All over Abia State
Industrial
uses, sheets
and crumbs
for making
tyres, plastics
and
insulators.
3
Cashew
Isuikwuato, Bende, and Wine, edible
Umunneochi
nuts, cask for
building,
confectionerie
s, resins and
glue,
vegetable oil,
brake fluid,
peanut butter
4
Ogbono (Irvingia)
All over Abia State
Domestic
uses
5
Oil Palm
All over Abia State
Commercial /
Industrial
soap,
margarine,
wine, animal
feed, kernel
shells for road
works, fabric
for fuel, ceiling
boards and
foot mats.
6
Coconut
All over Abia State
The oil is used
for
confectionery,
shell for fuel
7
Plantain/ Banana
Ukwa East and West,
Isiala Ngwa North and
South, Obingwa,
Staple food,
chips and
powder
Ikwuano
8
Mango/ Guava
All over Abia State
Juice, pulp
and livestock
feed
9
Pineapple
All over Abia State
Juice, Fibre,
cake
AH over Abia State
Mango juice
10 Mango
11 Citrus (Oranges and All over Abia State
Grape)
Soft drinks
and juice
12 Amarantus
(Vegetables)
All over Abia State
Vegetable
(edible)
13 Pumpkin (Telfera)
AH over Abia State
Vegetable
(edible)
14 Pawpaw
All over Abia State
Juice,
medicines
15 Guava
All over Abia State
Juice and very
high in
Vitamin C
CROP
ECOLOGICAL ZONE/ AREA
USES
ARABLE CROPS
Yam
All over Abia State
Staple food,
flour,
composting
(peels),
starch, flakes,
livestock
feeds
2
Cassava
All over Abia State
Staple food,
flour, animal
teed, chalk,
industrial
starch, bread,
biscuits
3
Rice (Swamp &
Upland)
All over Abia State
Staple foods
i
a
Maize
All over Abia State
Staple food,
cornflakes,
biscuits, local
brew &
livestock
feeds
2
CROP
AREA
ECOLOGICAL ZONE/
USES
ARABLE CROPS
5
Cocoyam
Isuikwuato, Umuahi,
Bende and Ukwa West
Staple foods
6
Cowpeas
All over Abia State
Staple foods
7
Soya beans
Obingwa, Isuikwuato,
Isiala Ngwa North &
South, Ukwa East and
West
Soya beans
milk, oil, cake,
and livestock
feed
8
Groundnuts
Isuikwuato, Isiala Ngwa Groundnut
North & South, Obingwa oils, cakes,
butter and
livestock feed
9
Melon
10 Ginger
All over Abia State
Industrial oil
for paints &
local uses
Umuahia North & South, Medicinal
Bende, Ikwuano, Ukwa spice, brewing
East & West, Isiala Ngwa and Distilleries
North & South
The Salt (Brine) as well as the Kaolin are of very high grade and both are in
large commercial quantities with other associated industrial chemicals that will
serve as raw materials for other downstream chemical industries.
Presently, the exploration of some of these Solid Mineral deposits are done
manually by uncoordinated illegal local miners. As a result, the utilization of
these minerals have been minimal and their impact on the economy of the state
in particular and the nation at large, very negligible.
There is need now to give priority attention to the Solid Minerals sector which
promises to be a better alternative to the petroleum sector whose fortunes are
dwindling by the day.
Government will gladly welcome investments
AGRICULTURE
Abia State is an agricultural investor's delight. With fertile lands and located in
the rainforest belt of Eastern Nigeria. Most crops do very well in the state. The
State had numerous commercial agricultural companies but most of them
packed up over time due to mismanagement and corruption.
The Abia State Government is therefore desirous of entering into partnership
with investors that will assist her develop her agricultural potentials. At the
moment, the Frie-EI Consortium of Italy are vigorously reactivated the Abia Palm
Estate in Ohambele, Ukwa-East Local Government Area
The company, which has already revitalized the Mbawsi Oil Mill as a show of its
capabilities, are set to turn the fortunes of the vast Ohambele Palm Estate
around.
The State Government has equally acquired land at Okwoi for the pilot project of
massive planting of plantains and bananas using the Songhai Farm model in
conjunction with the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia.
INVESTORS ARE INVITED TO CONSIDER TAKING OVER AND
REVITALISING THE FOLLOWING MORIBUND GOVERNMENT-OWNED
AGRICULTURAL CONCERNS.
1. ABIA GOLDEN CHICKEN LIMITED, OGWE, UKWA EAST
Land Area 360 Hc
Project Poultry Production
2. ABIA LIVESTOCK FARM, OKOKO ITEM, BENDE LG.A
Land Area - 75Hc
Project - Poultry production, Cattle, Piggery, Sheep and Goat Rearing, Honey
Production, Fishery and sundry related products.
3. ABIA CASHEW COMPANY, MBALA, ISUOCHI, UMUNNEOCHI
Land Area - 160 Hc Planted, 28Hc Fallow Project Cashew Nut, by-product
Production
4. ABIA COCOA ESTATE, AGBAOZU, UZUAKOLI, BENDE
Land Area - 220Hc
Projects - Cocoa and Cocoa Beans Production
5. ABIA FARM, LODU NDUME, UMUAHIA NORTH
Land Area
- 22Hc
Projects - Fish Production,
Vegetable Production
Investors are also welcome in the area of Construction of Modern Abattoirs to
serve Umuahia and Aba.
The Abia Palm Nursery at Okwoyi
100,000 improved oil palm seedlings, which has been distributed to Abia
farmers.
55 Tractors acquired for distribution to farmers in Abia State.
Over I million improved F3 Amazon Cocoa Seedlings distributed free of charge
to Abia farmers.
Oil Palm Estates in the State ceded to Foreign Investors Land acquired at
Okwoyi for the pilot project of massive planting of plantains and bananas using
the Songhai farm model.
BEYOND ANY SHADE OF DOUBT, ABIA STATE IS A WISE INVESTMENT
DESTINATION
TOURISM
Abia is a tourists delight. The State is blessed with diverse cultures and
traditions that will be a spectacle to tourists whenever cultural events are being
staged.
In addition, the State has some tourist sites waiting to be fully developed by
investors.
The emphasis for any forward thinking government at this point in time should be
on how to create an economy that will not be dependent on oil and other mineral
resources.
It is in line with this mindset that we have wholeheartedly provided the needed
fillip for the revving up of our tourism industry in Abia State. As a show of our
seriousness, we revived the Ugwu Abia Cultural Festival, the first time the
festival will be held in eight years.
We intend for it to be an annual event and we are currently receiving proposals
from tourism experts on how to host cultural carnivals in Abia State annually.
We have The Azumini Blue River Resort, an International Tourist Centre
recognized by the United Nations. The resort has however been allowed to run
to seed due to years of mismanagement and neglect.
Interested investors are invited to take over the resort and build a world-class
tourist centre there.
We equally have the Arochukwu Long Juju which is another UNESCO Heritage
Site. Private Tourism Developers are invited to develop the site into a world
class tourism destination.
Abia State has a good network of roads criss-crossing the length and breadth of
the 17 Local Government Areas in the State. All the Local Governments are
accessible by road and most of them have internal road networks leading to key
locations. Most streets in Umuahia and Aba, the two major cities, have
streetlights which come on at night while efforts are being made to fix dilapidated
roads and open up new roads.
Investors are invited to partner with the state in the concessioning of major roads
on a build, operate and maintain basis. Most of the roads are high traffic roads
and investors are assured of returns on their investments via toll collection and
favourable government incentives.
The Abia Specialist Diagnostic Hospital, Umuahia and Aba.
The Specialist Diagnostic Hospitals are already completed and now functioning.
Ambulances distributed to all the Local Government Areas in Abia State to aid in
conveying pregnant rural women to the nearest hospital to guarantee safe
delivery as part of a larger strategy to curb maternal and infant mortality in the
state.
Ongoing massive refurbishing and expansion works at the School of Health
Technology, Aba, the School of Nursing, Umuahia and the Uzuakoli
Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre,
20 Vans distributed to each Local Government Area in Abia State for effective
immunization of Abia children against Polio and other diseases.
The office of the Wife of the Governor playing a crucial role in arranging Medical
Missions from several international medical
Opportunities exist for companies to come and build top-level hospitals in Abia
State. At the moment, the existing hospitals are inadequate to meet the health needs
of the people. We will therefore welcome investors who are interested in setting up
Hospitals in any part of Abia State.
We have distributed Ambulances to all the Local Government Areas in Abia State to
aid in conveying pregnant rural women to the nearest hospital to guarantee safe
delivery. This is part of our larger strategy to curb the rate of maternal and infant
mortality in the state.
In addition, we are undertaking massive regular maintenance and expansion
works at the School of Health Technology, Aba, the School of Nursing, Umuahia
and the Uzuakoli Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre.
In partnership with EU-Prime, we distributed 20 Vans to each Local Government
Area in Abia State for effective immunization of Abia children against Polio and
other diseases.
The office of the Wife of the Governor has also played a crucial role in arranging
Medical Missions from several international medical organizations who
frequently come to Abia State for specialized treatments like Cancer and several
other ailments.
Her office has also secured the donation of several medical equipments to
hospitals in Abia State from foreign medical and charity organizations. She has
also vigorously pursued the prevention of maternal mortality through the
organization of several seminars and sensitization workshops in collaboration
with the United Nations and other agencies
Sport Development
Abia State is a fertile ground for the discovery and nurturing of
sports talents in Nigeria. Football is the number one sport in
Nigeria and Abia State has provided a fair share of Footballers
that have represented Nigeria at major football tournaments in
different age grades. Instructively, the current senior National
Men's Football Team, the Super Eagles parade three sons of
Abia State in their starting eleven. The Team Captain, Nwankwo
Kanu is from Arochukwu, the Uche brothers, Ikechukwu Uche and
Kalu Uche are both from Igbere in Bende LG.A.
This scenario is replicated in several other sports in Nigeria. The
State female Handball Team, The Valliants 1 have represented
Nigeria at diverse competitions worldwide. Our athletes have
excelled at various competitions while Chika Chukwumerije and
Obinna Aligekwe won Bronze (judo) at the Beijing Olympics and
Gold (Power Lifting) at the Beijing Paralympics respectively.
Enyimba International Football Club, the State owned Football
Club Team, which has won several football events medals (locally
and Internationally) is currently the overall best in Nigeria Club
Football. We are providing them with required support and at the
same time, seeking for investors.
Our Wrestlers, Weightlifters and Athletes have all excelled at
different national and international competitions.
HOUSING
In Abraham Moslow's hierarchy of needs, shelter ranks amongst
food, clothing, etc as primary needs of man. Therefore, Housing is
a necessity for every Abian. The provision of Housing among
other social benefits is a priority of the Abia State Government. It
is as a result of this that Government has put in place a Public
Private Partnership (PPP) programme in order to realise this
objective.
It is interesting to note that because of the commercial and
industrial boom in Abia State, many people have relocated to the
state from neighboring cities of Owerri, Port-Harcourt and IkotEkpene. Again, because of the security crisis that was witnessed
in the Niger Delta in the past three years, many residents of those
cities decided to set up home in Abia State while commuting to
the oil cities for work.
As a consequence, Abia State is currently facing an acute
shortage of accommodation. In order to stem the tide of this antieconomic development, the Abia State Government has carefully
remodeled its housing-provision strategies to enable investors
come in and revive the sector.
An example is the Obuaku City Housing Project on the Aba-PortHarcourt Expressway, a mere 15 Minutes drive to Port-Harcourt.
Government initially intended to solely develop the estate but it is
now desirous of partnering with reputable estate development
companies to realize the project. In considering the strategic
location of the Obuaku City Housing Project, the investment
potentials and the economic multiplier-effect are just too
numerous to mention.
The IBB Phase II Housing Project in Umuahia, the State Capital is
also another Housing Scheme that promises a lot of returns on
investment. Housing is a necessity for every Abians. The
provision of Housing among other social benefits is a priority of
the Abia State Government. It is as a result of this that
Government has put in place a Public Private Partnership (PPP)
programme in order to realise this objective.
It is interesting to note that because of the commercial and
industrial boom in Abia State, many people have relocated to the
state from neighbouring cities of Owerri, Port-Harcourt and IkotEkpene. Again, because of the security crisis that was witnessed
in the Niger Delta in the past three years, many residents of those
cities decided to set up home in Abia State while commuting to
the oil cities for work.
As a consequence, Abia State is currently facing an acute
shortage of accommodation. In order to stem the tide of this antieconomic development, the Abia State Government has carefully
remodelled its housing-provision strategies to enable investors
come in and revive the sector.
An example is the Obuaku City Housing Project on the Aba-PortHarcourt Expressway, a mere 15 Minutes drive to Port-Harcourt.
Government initially intended to solely develop the estate but We
currently have in operation, the Abia City Transport Scheme. The
Scheme creates gainful employment for our people while
resolving the perennial problem of lack of adequate and befitting
intra-city transportation in Abia State. We also have dial-a-cabs
that you can call and they will come and pick you from wherever
you are.
In other to compliment Government efforts in provision of befitting
transportation for the people of Abia State, Government is hereby
inviting interested investors to come and provide transportation
services for the people of the State. Government is equally
interested in partnering reputable organisations in the provision of
intra- city light rail services. With Aba as the Commercial hub East
of the Niger, it is estimated that about [Million people go in and
out of Aba everyday. The opportunities for an articulated transport
service is therefore endless.
Youth and Young Persons Development
The Abia State Government hosted the Face of Hope Concert
recently where youths of Abia State were encouraged to hold on
to their dreams. The Government is equally partnering with
International Development Partners to meet MDGs Targets.
In 2009, we established the Abia Youth Empowerment and Job
Creation scheme, which seeks to create jobs for a reasonable
number of youths in Abia State.
Abia State Oil Producing Areas Commission (ASOPADEC) is also
into numerous life changing developmental projects…
We have established a database of employable youths in Abia
State and we are providing them with an opportunity to fend for
themselves. Many Skills Acquisition Centres have been built in
the Local Governments with a view to providing our teeming
youths the necessary skills to engage in meaningful endeavours
thereby curbing crime.
The first batch of 500 beneficiaries from the youth empowerment
scheme were given full communications kits in partnership with
Globacom Telecommunications Ltd to enable them start-off
telephone call centres
We therefore welcome partnerships with other organizations to
enable more Abia Youth benefit from the scheme.
Her Excellency the Wife of the Governor has equally constructed
a modern Skill Acquisition Centre at IBB Layout, which is in a
functioning capacity.
We have a practice of expeditious approval of land titles for
individuals and corporations willing to invest in Abia State.
This practice has led to the citing of several high-impact projects
in Abia State among which are the Data Centre of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Ekeoba,
Umuahia and the Inland Container Depot at Ntigha in Isialangwa
South among others.
We have a practice of expeditious approval of land titles for
individuals and corporations willing to invest in Abia State.
This practice has led to the citing of several high-impact projects
in Abia State among which are the Data Centre of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Ekeoba,
Umuahia and the Inland Container Depot at Ntigha in Isialangwa
South among others.
In the Nigerian Industrial and Commercial circle, Aba, (a.k.a
Enyimba city) occupies a unique position as a Centre of
Excellence. It is a hub of economic activities and a centre of
ingenuity and unique potentials.
Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State and the SouthEastern zone of Nigeria, is geographically located on the intersection of latitude 5, 2" north and longitude 7.17" east in the
south-eastern part of Nigeria. The city measures 18km2 and sits
strategically on the criss-cross of roads from Port Harcourt (Rivers
State), Uyo(Akwa Ibom State), Calabar (Cross Rivers State),
Enugu(Enugu State) and Owerri (Imo State).
Aba is indeed easily accessible and almost equidistant from all
the capitals and key business centres of the South-East and
south-south zones of Nigeria. Besides sitting on the road network
linking the east with the rest of Nigeria, the North-South railway
line passes through Aba with a major station located in the city.
Aba is part of the costal plains of Nigeria, a region of gently
undulating landscapes. The city is predominantly a tableland with
only two irregular highlands-the Ogbor hill and Okpuloumubo hills,
at whose feet flows the famous Aba river on its way to the Imo
River and the Niger Delta basin.
The relocation of the all-conquering British Army Garrison from
Azumini to Aba in 1902, made Aba a colonial administrative
headquarters of some sort. And the independence regional
government then under Dr Michael I. Okpara completed the
transformation of Aba into the Timbuktu of south-eastern Nigeria
through its introduction of farm settlements which developed oil
palm, rubber, cocoa plantations, etc. Thus resulting in the
springing-up of many industrial concerns.
No doubt, the foundations for today's spirit of business enterprise
as well as the high profile technology of Aba was laid way back
through the inter-play of the crude technology then and values of
immigrants and settlers with the modern technology and
adventurism of British developed oil palm, rubber, cocoa
plantations, etc. Thus resulting in the springing-up of many
industrial concerns.
No doubt, the foundations for today's spirit of business enterprise
as well as the high profile technology of Aba was laid way back
through the inter-play of the crude technology then and values of
immigrants and settlers with the modern technology and
adventurism of British cosmetics and body care products,
textile and fashion, leather products, wood ; furniture, paper
products, , paints and chemicals, as well as 1 fabrication of
tools, spare • parts and equipments. I
Aba is known today to be an enviable hub of small and medium
enterprises which cuts across almost every facet of the economy.
Some companies and conglomerates existing in Aba are Nigerian
Breweries Pic, Guinness Nig Pic, 7up Bottling Company Pic, PZ
Cussons Nig Pic, International Equitable Association Pic, United
African Company Pic, International Glass Industries Ltd,
GlassForce Ind Pic, Aba I Malting Plant Pic, Aba Textile Mills Pic,
Geometric Power Ltd, etc.
Due to the doggedness and high level of the ingenuity of the
people coupled with government's provision of the needed
infrastructure, many companies owned by individuals also sprangup, and they are doing well. Some of such companies include the
Star Paper mill Ltd,
Valieumbra Flour Mill Ltd, J. Udeagbala Holdings Ltd, TONIMAS
Nig Ltd, Starline Nig Ltd, Chemlap Industries Nig Ltd, Korama
Clover Nig Ltd, Planet Oil & Chemical Ind Ltd, etc.
Aba controls a large market for finished products, semi finished
and raw materials, and services, and people come from different
parts of the country and beyond to buy wares from both the
companies and the six big market in Aba that are of international
standard, namely:
Ariaria International market
Asa Nentu Spare Parts Market
Eziukwu Market
Ngwa Road Market
Orie Ohabiam Electronics Market and
Ekeoha Shopping complex.
Aba is indeed an investor's haven as there are great potentials in
the areas of tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, housing,
transport, etc.
The tourism potentials are enormous. The River dredging for boat
ride and the development of sand beaches for relaxation is
important. Establishment of hotels to carter for the influx of visitors
into the town is also paramount. The Agricultural settlements
need further improvement and modernization through joint
venture ship. Also vast land to guarantee mechanized farming,
and animal husbandry are available.
The various manufacturing firms are desirous of going into
partnership with any reputable foreign investors. Worthy of
mention here are the development of our Leather products and
garment industry, fabrication of tools and machines, production of
household items, pharmaceutical and beverages.
In like manner, development of housing estates is very key
investment potential. Government will provide the needed
infrastructure that will guarantee successful investment in the
housing sub-sector.
Aba has a population of about 3 million people and has continued
to grow in size economically, socially, and politically. It has indeed
the required manpower and conducive business environment that
will ensure quick return on investment.
With the provision of electricity, good road network, existing gas
pipeline to power industrial gas turbines, a good tax policy,
adequate security, and a good rapport between government and
the organized private sector, industries and businesses have
continued to thrive in the city.
Thank you as we look forward to talking investment or travel in
Abia with you