Abia Targets Global Investment Spotlight As AFRICANDO, Third Aba International Trade Fair Hold In November

Abia State is set to attract national and international attention as it hosts the 27th Africando Trade Conference from November 17 to 19, 2026, in Umuahia, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Government House Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner announced that this is the first time the United States–Africa Trade and Investment Conference is being held on African soil, and informed that the conference is organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) in collaboration with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, and will provide a major platform for the state to showcase its investment opportunities and connect small and medium-scale enterprises with international investors.

He described the conference as a significant economic opportunity for Abia, noting that investors from the United States would be in Umuahia to engage with Nigerian and other African businesses and explore opportunities for trade and investment.

According to him, the conference will also enable state ministries, agencies and local government areas to showcase their respective investment potential, while Governor Alex Otti will formally declare the event open.

Prince Kanu said Abia was selected because of the massive infrastructure development and the business-friendly environment being created by the present administration.

The Commissioner further explained that the conference would enable Abia businesses to take advantage of opportunities under the United States-inspired African Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA) ,which provides eligible African businesses access to the American market.

He added that the trade conference would generate economic benefits for the state beyond investment deals, particularly for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local businesses expected to experience increased patronage during the conference.

In a related development, the Commissioner announced that preparations were underway for the Third Aba International Trade Fair scheduled for November 27 to December 6, 2026, at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, along Aba–Owerri Road. With the theme, “Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth,” the fair is being organised in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).

The Commissioner disclosed that the trade fair will feature key sectors including footwear and leather works, fashion and apparel, food and agro-products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology and renewable energy, with the objective of strengthening Aba’s position as a leading commercial and industrial hub in the Southeast and Nigeria.

He said, “The 3rd Aba International Trade Fair promises to further position Aba as a real commercial hub of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.” Prince Kanu stated.

Prince Kanu also disclosed that the State Civil Service Commission is organising a capacity-building programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors from November 16 to 28, 2026, as part of the administration’s ongoing public service reforms. The training will focus on change management, work ethics and professionalism, succession planning, talent management, leadership and strategic management.

He explained that the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of senior public officers, promote professionalism and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery across the state.

On road infrastructure, the Commissioner said the state government had continued to consolidate its achievements through 59 direct-labour road maintenance projects spread across the state. He disclosed that two direct labour projects had recently been completed, while 11 new projects had been added to the maintenance programme of the Ministry of Works.

The completed projects include erosion control works at Ezi-Alayi Road in Bende LGA and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over identified open manholes and drains across Aba and Umuahia, bringing the number of manholes covered by the ministry to 120.

He listed some of the newly introduced projects to include the clearing and grading of a three-kilometre road within the Abia State Industrial Innovation Park, Ukwa West; construction of Late Sir Nwala Link Road–Isieketa Road in Isiala Ngwa South; maintenance of Akwukwaegbu Drive at Orie-ugba Market, Umuahia North; maintenance of Orie–Ugba–Eziama Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North; construction of Amaekpu Street, Abayi, Aba; Ibom Waterfall Road in Arochukwu; drainage works; Ndi Okike Road, Arochukwu; rehabilitation of Igbere Ring Road, Phase Three, and road construction within Arochukwu General Hospital.

He added that 23 road projects were currently under contract across the state, with construction activities gaining momentum following improved weather conditions. Two of the projects, the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Obete– Oberete-Akrika-Obu Road, linking Obingwa and Ukwa East LGAs, and the seven-kilometre Bende–Idima Road in Abam, are expected to be presented for commissioning soon.

The Commissioner also warned that the removal or tampering with manhole covers was a criminal offence, stressing that offenders, when apprehended, would be prosecuted for endangering public safety. He urged residents to protect public infrastructure and report acts of vandalism to the security agencies.

He further cautioned against the unauthorised construction of speed bumps on public roads, advising individuals and communities to obtain approval from the Ministry of Works before undertaking such projects to ensure compliance with approved standards and prevent premature deterioration of roads.

Contributing, the Commissioner for works Engr. Don Otunchere Oti also clarified that the construction of road bumps and speed breakers without government approval was unacceptable, explaining that communities seeking such facilities must first approach the Ministry of Works for inspection and authorisation.

He said the ministry would determine the necessity of installing them and provide technical supervision to ensure compliance with approved standards.

He added that the government could also independently investigate reported accident-prone locations and install appropriate safety measures where necessary.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Investment Promotion (IP), High Chief J.N Green-Amankwe and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha were present at the press briefing.

E-signed
DIVINE NWANKWO & CHINWE NDULAKA
Information Officers, Government House Umuahia