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 The name ABIA was coined from the first letters of the names of the geo-political groups that originally made up the State, namely: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato and Afikpo.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 Kaolin
Umunneochi and Bende Ikwuano, Umuahia So , Isuikwuato, Isiala Ngwa North, Umunneochi, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, Ikwuano Umunneochi Umuahia and Isuikwuato Umunneochi Isuikwuato, Arochukwu and Ohafia Bende Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa South, Isuikwuato, Ugwunagbo and Osisioma Ngwa Ohafia Bende and Ohafia Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende and Umunneochi Isiala Ngwa South and Umunneochi Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia South
Gelena Lignite Gypsum Tar Sand Phosphate Black Marble
Copper Gold Lime Stone Graphite Barytes
Silica Oil and Gas
Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Isiala Ngwa South Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Bende, Ugwunagbo, Osisioma, Obingwa and Aba South Umuahia North, Ikwuano and Bende Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Bende, Ohafia, Ukwa East and Ukwa West
Clay Timber
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 All over Abia State Industrial uses, sheets
2
Rubber
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 All over Abia State All over Abia State Domestic uses Commercial / Industrial soap, margarine, wine, animal feed, kernel shells for road works, fabric for fuel, ceiling boards and foot mats. The oil is used for confectionery, shell for fuel Staple food, chips and powder
4 5
Ogbono (Irvingia) Oil Palm
6
Coconut
All over Abia State
7
Plantain/ Banana
Ukwa East and West, Isiala Ngwa North and South, Obingwa,
Ikwuano 8 Mango/ Guava All over Abia State Juice, pulp and livestock feed Juice, Fibre, cake Mango juice Soft drinks and juice Vegetable (edible) Vegetable (edible) Juice, medicines Juice and very high in Vitamin C
9
Pineapple
All over Abia State AH over Abia State
10 Mango
11 Citrus (Oranges and All over Abia State Grape) 12 Amarantus (Vegetables) 13 Pumpkin (Telfera) 14 Pawpaw 15 Guava All over Abia State AH over Abia State All over Abia State All over Abia State
CROP ECOLOGICAL ZONE/ AREA USES ARABLE CROPS Yam All over Abia State
Isuikwuato, Isiala Ngwa Groundnut North & South, Obingwa oils, cakes, butter and livestock feed
9
Melon
All over Abia State
Industrial oil for paints & local uses
10 Ginger
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
