Gov. Otti Seeks Partnership with NAADI to Boost Abia’s Agriculture, Economy

News in brief:

-Governor Alex Otti says Abia is prepared to collaborate with NAADI to strengthen agro-processing and economic development.

-NAADI says Abia will become the ninth state to domesticate the Federal Government-backed agribusiness initiative.

Governor Alex Otti has announced that the Abia State Government is ready to leverage the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI) to grow the state’s economy and strengthen value addition across key agricultural sectors.

Otti made the disclosure recently while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative led by its Director, Felix Charles, at the Government House in Umuahia.

The governor said the initiative aligns with his administration’s economic blueprint and pledged the readiness of his team to work closely with the organisation.

“We are already looking forward to taking advantage of this,” Otti said. “I believe that as you sit down with my team, we will begin to unveil the details and know how to work with you to take full advantage of this initiative that you brought. One thing I can assure you is that my team is very ready.”

Otti Says Agro-Processing Key to Economic Growth

The governor noted that many of the objectives of NAADI were already captured in his campaign manifesto and development agenda for the state.

Otti stressed that meaningful economic growth cannot be achieved through the export of raw materials alone without processing and industrialisation.

According to him, Abia possesses strong agricultural and industrial potential in areas such as palm oil, cassava, cocoa, cashew nuts, rubber, leather works, and fabrics.

He, however, noted that these commodities would continue to generate limited economic value if they remain at subsistence production levels without adequate processing and industrial development.

NAADI Expands to Abia as Ninth Participating State

Earlier, Charles described NAADI as a Federal Government-backed initiative established to encourage agricultural participation, strengthen agro-processing value chains, and improve access to international markets.

He disclosed that the programme had already been launched in eight states, adding that Abia would become the ninth state to domesticate and implement the initiative.

Charles also commended Governor Otti’s developmental efforts and assured the state government of NAADI’s commitment to a productive partnership.

According to him, Abia stands to benefit from several components of the initiative, including capacity development, agribusiness promotion, improved market access, and interventions targeted at addressing funding challenges within the agricultural sector.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Chief of Staff Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Salome Obiukwu, Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce Nwaka Inem, alongside other senior government officials.