Abia joins NAADI agribusiness programme to boost value-chain development

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

Abia State has been officially listed as the ninth beneficiary of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro Industrial Development Initiatives (NAADI), a federal programme aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains, improving market access and expanding agribusiness capacity across the country.

The Director of NAADI, Mr. Felix Charles, disclosed this during a visit to the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, where he led a delegation to present the initiative to Governor Alex Otti.

Charles explained that the programme, already implemented in eight states, is designed to promote agricultural training, bridge capacity gaps, enhance funding opportunities and connect farmers and stakeholders to international markets.

He said Abia’s inclusion marks an important milestone, noting that the state would benefit from the initiative’s key pillars, including improved agribusiness structures and stronger value-chain development.

“Abia is the ninth state where NAADI will be domesticated and launched. We are committed to partnering with the state government to ensure full implementation,” he said.

Responding, Governor Otti expressed readiness to leverage the programme to accelerate economic growth in the state, describing the initiative as consistent with his administration’s development agenda.

“We are already looking forward to taking advantage of this initiative. My team is fully prepared to work with you to maximise its benefits,” the governor said.

He commended NAADI for selecting Abia as a beneficiary, adding that the state would work closely with the organisers to ensure effective implementation.

Otti also highlighted Abia’s strong agricultural and industrial base, noting that the state is rich in palm oil, cassava, cocoa, rubber, cashew nuts, leather works and textile production.

He, however, stressed the need for value addition, saying that raw production without processing limits economic gains for the people.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnerships that would transform the state’s economy and create sustainable opportunities for citizens.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu; Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, among other senior government officials.