Abia State is known for its commercial and manufacturing bustle, stretching from the industrial city of Aba to its administrative capital, Umuahia.
The manufacturing capacity in Abia is represented by the globally recognised “Made in Aba” brand, which refers to products manufactured organically in Aba. Textiles, shoes, leatherwork, and even Car batteries have emerged from Abia State’s industrial sector, finding buyers across Nigeria and Africa.
This has been the mainstay of Abia state’s key economic activity for years despite poor governance and dilapidated public infrastructure. Under new leadership, Abia state is turning its attention to a completely different field, aiming to diversify away from local manufacturing toward more enduring sectors.
Alex Otti Turns to Agriculture, Mandates Recovery of Abandoned Land Settlements
Addressing a delegation of the Executive Management Committee of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, Abia state governor revealed his plans to transform the state’s agriculture sector from subsistence farming to Commercial farming.
The delegation, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, paid a courtesy visit to Alex Otti, who further revealed that his administration plans to recover farmlands belonging to the state that were abandoned by previous administrations.
“I can assure you that we have virtually all the data we require. Some farm settlements were set up by our forefathers, the Michael Okparas of this world. And subsequently either abandoned or underutilised.
“We have started the process of taking them back, setting them up, and getting them to work.
“Agriculture, anyhow you look at it, is the highest employer of labour. Not just in Africa, but in Nigeria.
“So, we are working on transiting from the kind of agriculture that we call subsistence farming to commercial and mechanised farming with the value-chain.
“Instead of selling cocoa beans, we want to be able to sell chocolate”, Gov. Otti stated.
A Proposed Partnership with the Southeast Development Commission
The SEDC, according to Emmanuel Anosike, will partner with the Abia state government and the Anambra Imo river basin authority to develop the massive land under its control. Anosike lamented the disappearance of homegrown agricultural brands from the eastern region, an indicator of the decline in Agricultural production across the region.
The chairman also seized the opportunity to inform the Abia state government of their Solar panel project, which adds to their offer to Nigerian communities.
Reacting to their submission, Otti mandated the Commissioner for Agriculture, Lands and Power & Public Utilities, and other relevant MDAs to be part of the team working with the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to ensure the success of the collaboration.
How Commercial Farming Will Boost Abia’s Revenue Generation Goals
Following the projected ₦223.4 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2026, commercial agriculture is a key driver of this figure in Abia State.
Commercial agriculture will contribute by expanding the tax base through new agro-allied businesses and large-scale farming entities. Strategic partnerships with existing agricultural firms are also on the menu, with a focus on fast-moving agro products for the African market.
For example, the Otti administration recently approved a multi-billion-naira partnership with the Barn Holding Group to revitalise livestock farms in Bende and Umunneochi. This project alone is expected to produce 2,000 tonnes of beef annually, creating a new revenue stream from livestock traceability and disease-control fees.
Finally, plans are underway to establish agro-industrial hubs and processing centres that convert raw produce into high-value exports, generating more revenue for the state.
