Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said that the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City, a 140-hectare Public-Private Partnership project at Osisioma, will transform Aba into an industrial hub, driving sustainable economic development and job creation.
Otti spoke on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Aba Commercial Smart City and United Market Leaders/Traders in Umuahia. He noted that the project will modernise trade, commerce, manufacturing, and logistics in the state and is aligned with his administration’s vision to create prosperity for the people.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Otti assured investment partners, including Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas Ltd (EMOG Group), of a conducive business environment with the necessary infrastructure in place for the project’s smooth take-off.
Professor Chinedu Nebo, Group Managing Director of Aba Commercial Smart City, represented by the project’s President, Amb. Osita Offor, said the development is the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa and aims to position Abia as a global gateway for commerce and industry.
Mr. David Okoro, Manager of Technical Services for the project, said the smart city will focus on automated manufacturing, medical services, commerce, hospitality, smart housing, logistics efficiency, and smart energy. He added that the integrated e-commerce platform and bonded terminals will simplify cross-border transactions, delivering goods directly to buyers.
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Okoro also said the project will boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and create 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs across construction, ICT, manufacturing, and retail sectors.
Dr. Mike Okiro, Group Vice Chairman and former Inspector General of Police, commended Governor Otti for restoring Aba’s commercial and industrial prominence and attracting investors to the state.
Deacon Confidence Nwobilo, President of the Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State, urged the government, investors, and private sector players to invest in the state’s industrial sectors to increase economic development, employment, and GDP.