Abia, UK Expand Partnership in Power, Trade, Health, Digital Economy

The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has said the state is partnering with the United Kingdom (UK) to expand collaboration in key sectors, including healthcare, digital transformation, electricity, trade, investment, education and governance.

Governor Otti disclosed this in a post on his Facebook page after receiving the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter, and his team at his office in Umuahia, the state capital.

According to the governor, his discussions with the UK Deputy High Commissioner centred on strengthening collaboration between the United Kingdom and Abia State in critical areas such as digital transformation, power, trade, investment, education and governance.

He said Mr Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at unlocking Abia’s economic potential.

These initiatives include the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) programme on waste recycling and the Digital Access Programme (DAP), which is aimed at expanding digital inclusion.

Otti also said the British envoy visited the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, where he acknowledged the critical role of reliable electricity in driving industrial growth.

The governor said, “I emphasised that power, digital connectivity, and skilled manpower are central to Abia’s transformation agenda. Our administration is working to expand electricity supply, strengthen healthcare delivery, and boost manufacturing and exports from Aba’s vibrant industrial base.
“We are also engaging partners to advance recycling, digital inclusion, and medical infrastructure that will reverse medical tourism.
“The partnership with the UK is a welcome development, and we look forward to deepening government-to-government and business-to-business ties that will accelerate Abia’s journey towards sustainable growth and prosperity.”