Abia Governor Alex Otti unveils Aba Commercial Smart City to transform Aba into an industrial hub and create over 125,000 jobs

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City, a 140-hectare public-private partnership hub at Osisioma, will transform Aba into an industrial centre, creating jobs and boosting sustainable economic development.

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Otti spoke on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Aba Commercial Smart City and United Market Leaders/Traders.

He emphasised that the project aligns with his administration’s vision of prosperity through industrialisation and modern trade.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Otti assured investors, including Equatorial Marine Oil and Gas Ltd (EMOG Group), that a conducive business environment with the required infrastructure had been established for the project’s smooth take-off.

“So what we are saying today is a reflection of that vision, that once the right atmosphere and environment are created, investors will come. Investors are not emotional,” Otti said.

“The Aba Commercial Smart City is a project that will significantly transform Aba and indeed Abia.”

Professor Chinedu Nebo, Group Managing Director of Aba Commercial Smart City, represented by Ambassador Osita Offor, President of the project, described it as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning Abia as a gateway to Africa’s commerce and industrial revolution.

He said the project symbolises prosperity through enterprise and aims to restore Aba’s status as Africa’s commercial heartbeat.

Mr David Okoro, Manager of Technical Services for the project, explained that the smart city is built on four pillars: automated manufacturing, medical services, commerce, hospitality and smart housing, logistics efficiency, and smart energy.

The project will integrate e-commerce with bonded terminals, enabling cross-border transactions directly to businesses and homes.

Okoro projected the creation of 25,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs across construction, ICT, manufacturing, and retail, while significantly boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.

Dr Mike Okiro, Group Vice Chairman and former Inspector General of Police, lauded Governor Otti for restoring Aba’s commercial and industrial prominence.

He noted that investors are bringing capital to realise the project for the benefit of Abians and Nigerians.

Deacon Confidence Nwobilo, President of the Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State, urged government, local and foreign investors, and private sector players to invest in industrial sectors to drive employment, GDP growth, and economic development in the state.

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The Aba Commercial Smart City is expected to modernise trade, manufacturing, logistics, and commerce, marking a bold step in Abia State’s industrialisation agenda.