The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has officially launched the Aba Export Growth Lab at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. The project is expected to help small and medium-sized businesses in the region tap into global trade opportunities, improve product quality, and boost economic growth through export diversification.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti emphasized the need for strategic support for businesses in Aba and beyond. He noted that the city has long been a centre of production but has lacked the necessary infrastructure and government support to scale internationally.
“Aba has always needed a whole lot more support than it has been getting for decades,” Otti said. “So, what we have come here to do is to support our people to structure their production, standardise, package and brand their products in such a way that it will be competitive in the international market.”
The Governor stressed the importance of global standards, warning that the international market only rewards quality.
He added, “By the time you finish packaging your product, if it meets the standards, they will buy. And yourself, you will be convinced that you have done enough work to support that product to be sold outside the shelves of this country.”
Using Japan’s post-war economic growth through exports as an example, Governor Otti encouraged local entrepreneurs to aim high. He stated, “That’s the way the market is structured. And if you cannot compete globally, don’t even try because you will just waste your time.”
The Aba Export Growth Lab is not just about facilitating trade. It is a deliberate step by the government to boost entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and strengthen the local economy. Governor Otti made it clear that the initiative is not profit-driven for the government.
“We don’t require money as government from here. So, if anybody is coming to tell you, ‘Oh! Government wants to make money,’ it’s not true because it’s not a money-making investment for the State,” he said. “This is our own support to our people; the micro, small and medium scale enterprises.”
He also warned the managers of the Lab not to compromise on quality. According to him, “It must be done right. And any product that does not pass the test, don’t be sympathetic. Fail it, so that we can start afresh and get it to such a specification that we have defined.”
Governor Otti added that any poor-quality products that pass the internal lab tests but fail internationally would be a major embarrassment to the project and the state. He affirmed that the government would also independently monitor quality.
Earlier, Abia State Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, stated that the Lab is designed to make Aba and Abia-based products more visible in the international market.
He revealed that the project is targeting 20 businesses in its pilot phase and will focus on three main areas: Akwete cloth, footwear, and fashion apparels.
“This Export Growth Lab is established to create a pathway for Aba and Abia businesses to gain access to the global market,” Akpara said. “It will empower entrepreneurs to be visible in the global market and support export diversification.”
The initiative also gained strong backing from international and financial organisations.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended Governor Otti’s leadership, describing the project as a “laudable initiative” that could transform the region’s economy. She expressed the UNDP’s full support, saying that “Abia can lead Africa’s industrial renaissance.”
She further remarked, “The Southeast can rise as a regional corridor of productivity, investments, and jobs through the project.”
Representing NEXIM Bank at the event, Mrs. Nkeiru Ezenwanne pledged the bank’s support for the initiative. She highlighted the importance of value-chain development in sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, garments, leather, and pharmaceuticals.
“NEXIM Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that would drive export diversification and economic growth,” she said. “Our mandate is to facilitate the diversification of Nigerian foreign exchange earners through export finance provision, credit guarantee and export insurance, fund management, and export advisory services.”
High-value sectors like agro-processing and fashion have become vital areas for income generation and global competitiveness. With the international trade market becoming more integrated, initiatives like this could position Abia as a key player in non-oil exports.
The event also featured presentations from stakeholders, including Mr. Francis Anatogu, Chief Executive of Transaharan Consulting, who gave strategic insights into product scaling and export readiness.
Governor Otti, along with UNDP representatives and other senior government officials, later toured the on-site product exhibition, which showcased a variety of Made-in-Aba goods that are set to undergo further development at the Export Growth Lab.
The Aba Export Growth Lab is expected to create new business opportunities, strengthen the local industrial base, and help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports. With the rising cost of living and a need for job creation, export-led initiatives are becoming increasingly important in Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth strategy.
The project also aligns with broader efforts to promote foreign direct investment, job creation, and innovation, and positions Abia entrepreneurs to become active players in global commerce.
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