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The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti has expressed his administration’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation with the Canadian government in key sectors of the economy, including energy, agriculture, education, technology, and aviation.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and made available via his Facebook handle on Thursday.

Speaking while receiving the Canadian Trade Commissioner from the High Commission of Canada in Lagos, Delane Boakye, who paid him a visit at his office on Wednesday, Governor Otti described Abia as a state rich in human capital and investment opportunities.

The Governor commended the Trade Commissioner for choosing Abia as the first state she would visit in Nigeria, noting the shared cultural and economic ties between both regions.

Highlighting the state’s strengths, Governor Otti emphasised the industrious nature and educational capacity of Abians, many of whom, he said, are already contributing meaningfully in Canada.

“We thank you for choosing Abia State as the first state you will visit after several months in Nigeria. That is very significant.

“We have a whole lot to offer in Abia in terms of human capital, which is the most important resource. Our people are industrious and well-educated, and many of them are already in Canada, either working or studying,” the Governor stated.

Governor Otti further identified priority areas for collaboration to include renewable energy, agriculture, education, and technology-driven skills development, among others.

“We will be delighted to receive support in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, education, technology, and skills transfer. Trade and commerce remain key to our development agenda,” he added.

The State Chief Executive also drew attention to Aba as a major commercial and industrial hub, noting its unique position as both a trading and manufacturing centre, and invited the Trade Commissioner to visit the city.

“It would be interesting for you to visit Aba and see the level of economic activities that take place daily. Aba is not just a trading hub; it is also an industrial centre with thriving manufacturing and light industries,” Otti said.

He further disclosed ongoing infrastructural developments, including the construction of an international-standard airport through a partnership between the state and federal governments, as well as a privately owned $35 million manufacturing plant in Aba, projected to scale up to $100 million in the coming years, which he is expected to commission.

On aviation, the Governor expressed interest in strategic collaboration with Canadian stakeholders, particularly in aircraft acquisition and potential airline operations.

“We know Canada has a strong presence in the aviation industry, especially with Bombardier. It would be beneficial to explore partnerships that could support our aviation ambitions, including aircraft acquisition,”  Otti added.

He also directed the Secretary to the State Government to facilitate further engagements among relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen discussions on identified areas of mutual interest.

Earlier, the Canadian Trade Commissioner and Second Secretary at the Office of the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos, Delane Boakye, stated that her visit was aimed at discussing possible areas of collaboration with Abia State.

She noted that there is a natural synergy between Canada and Nigeria in terms of culture, adding that Canada is home to over 17,000 Nigerian students, as well as a significant Nigerian diaspora.

“Specifically, today I am here in Abia, as I mentioned, on behalf of the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, whom some of you may have had the opportunity to meet. We see synergies in areas such as aviation, where Canada is a global leader in aircraft development and training; in agriculture, with our rich natural resources and agricultural production across the prairies; and in energy, particularly clean energy. I look forward to engaging with all of you,” Boakye stated.

She identified key sectors of interest, including aviation, agriculture, energy, and education, stressing Canada’s global leadership in these areas and expressing readiness to partner with Abia State.

“It is a privilege to discuss opportunities for mutual collaboration. My role is to highlight these opportunities and strengthen ties between our countries,” 

“We see strong prospects in aviation, where Canada leads in aircraft development and training, as well as in agriculture, clean energy, and education. We are keen to support workforce development and collaborate on Nigeria’s growth journey,” Boakye added.

She also commended Nigerians for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, describing the country as dynamic and full of potential.

Those present at the meeting included the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi; the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, among others.