The Abia State Government has announced plans to unveil a new economic and industrial blueprint for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state before the end of September 2026.
The policy will align with the national framework on MSMEs while addressing the unique business peculiarities of Abia State. It will serve as a primary framework to create an enabling business environment, with the goal of enabling the MSME sector to contribute 30% to the state’s GDP by 2030. The blueprint will also enhance access to finance, trading opportunities, and market equity.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
He explained that the policy document, set for launch before the end of September 2026, would position Abia among the leading states in Nigeria for MSME development.
“The policy will focus on transforming the business sector, addressing rural-urban imbalances, and stimulating job creation, particularly through targeted growth initiatives,” Prince Kanu stated.
In another development, the commissioner announced that the state government would soon launch the Citizens Contact Centre. This initiative aims to strengthen governance by involving citizens more innovatively in the governance process.
“The centre, once launched, will improve communication and feedback between citizens and the state government. It will enable the government to track complaints from the citizenry, thereby enhancing official communication and feedback mechanisms essential for effective planning. Ultimately, it will reduce unnecessary visits to government offices for even the simplest issues,” Prince Kanu added.
On education and health, the commissioner revealed that the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) has received full accreditation from the West African College of Physicians for training doctors in community medicine. The accreditation is valid for five years.
He noted: “This accreditation will last for a period of five years. When this administration came into office, it met the hospital in a deplorable state, having lost accreditation for several courses. The first priority was to restore accreditation for many programmes. Today, we are recording significant progress.”
Prince Kanu also announced that a collaborative free medical outreach by the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and the Abia State Government would hold from April 11 to April 17, 2026. Services will include free medical consultations, general surgeries, eye care and surgeries, and training for health workers. The outreach will take place at Aba General Hospital and Abia Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.
Additionally, the State Ministry of Health is partnering with the Jimmy Carter Foundation on free hydrocele surgeries. So far, about 74 patients have been identified, with surgeries commencing on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Aba General Hospital, Abia State Specialist Hospital in Umuahia, and Nkporo Cottage Hospital.
In further health updates, the commissioner confirmed that the state has begun implementing the CONHESS salary scale for local government health workers. Progress continues on the Ministry of Health’s digital health initiative, and construction of the Ukwa East General Hospital has started, with the contractor given nine months for completion.
Finally, Prince Kanu assured that no outbreak of Lassa fever has been reported in Abia State, and the Ministry of Health is maintaining surveillance at all entry points to prevent any potential spread.