Otti Moves to Harness Abia’s Agricultural Potential, Targets Food Exports

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to harness the state’s agricultural potential to strengthen food production, accelerate industrialisation and position Abia as a net exporter of agricultural produce. The governor disclosed the initiative during the third Michael Iheonukara Okpara Memorial Lecture Series at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, where he announced plans to establish a steering committee to develop a framework for expanding agricultural production and investment across the state. The committee, which Otti will chair, is expected to include representatives of the Abia State Government, the university, PAYAZA Africa Limited and other relevant stakeholders. According to reports, its responsibilities will include identifying crops in which Abia has a comparative advantage and determining the infrastructure, technology and investment required to transform agricultural production into commercially viable enterprises. The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader effort to connect agriculture with industrial development, job creation and economic growth.

Otti identifies Ulonna farm settlements as starting point

The governor identified the Ulonna farm settlements as a potential starting point for the agricultural transformation initiative. He said the government intended to build on the agricultural vision associated with the late Michael Okpara, former premier of the defunct Eastern Region, while adapting it to contemporary farming methods and technological developments. Otti explained that the objective was not simply to increase food production for local consumption but also to create a system capable of supplying markets beyond Abia State. “We want to take it to this level now, where we introduce technology, and we don’t only want to be self-sufficient in food production; we want to be a net exporter of food from Abia State,” the governor said. The proposed approach is expected to focus on identifying agricultural opportunities that can support large-scale production, processing and commercial distribution. However, the extent to which the initiative will achieve its export target will depend on the eventual implementation framework, investment commitments and supporting infrastructure.

Committee to identify priority crops and investment needs

The proposed steering committee is expected to examine the crops and agricultural products for which Abia has favourable production conditions. It will also identify the investment requirements, infrastructure gaps and technological improvements needed to turn those opportunities into sustainable commercial ventures. Such planning could help the state prioritise projects based on their production potential, market demand and capacity to support agricultural processing. By involving the university and private-sector stakeholders, the government intends to draw on research, technical expertise and commercial experience in developing its agricultural strategy. The framework is also expected to guide decisions on the investments and innovations needed to improve productivity and strengthen the connection between farmers, processors and markets. Details of the committee’s implementation timetable, funding arrangements and specific crop priorities were not fully outlined in the reports announcing the initiative.

Governor backs agricultural technology hub

Otti also welcomed a proposal by the guest lecturer for the establishment of an Agricultural Technology Hub at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The governor described the proposal as consistent with his administration’s vision of using technology to improve agricultural productivity and support economic development. An agricultural technology hub could provide a platform for research, innovation and the development of modern farming solutions. Depending on its eventual structure, such a facility could also help connect researchers with farmers, agribusinesses and investors. The governor’s remarks highlighted the importance of combining agricultural research with practical production and commercial opportunities. The university’s involvement in the proposed steering committee could provide a link between academic expertise and the government’s plans to expand agricultural activity.

Agriculture central to Abia’s economic ambitions

The announcement comes as the Abia State Government seeks to attract investment into sectors that can strengthen the state’s economy and create employment. Agribusiness and agro-processing are among the priority sectors previously identified by Otti as part of his administration’s industrialisation agenda. The state also launched a farmers’ support programme in July 2026, targeting more than 18,000 farmers across its 17 local government areas with agricultural inputs and logistics support. That programme was intended to support farmers and encourage commercial agriculture, while the new committee is expected to develop a broader framework for identifying agricultural opportunities and the investments required to expand them. Together, the initiatives point to the government’s stated intention to make agriculture a more significant contributor to food security, business development and economic activity. For Abia to become a net exporter of agricultural produce, however, increased production would need to be supported by reliable transportation, storage, processing facilities, access to markets and investment in modern farming methods. The state government’s proposed committee is expected to help identify these requirements and establish a framework for turning the state’s agricultural potential into commercially sustainable production. Otti’s latest announcement therefore places agricultural development at the centre of his administration’s ambition to improve food sufficiency, promote industrialisation and expand Abia’s participation in domestic and international agricultural markets.