The Abia State Government has revealed that Turkish investors participating in the Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit/Product Exhibition have expressed interest in various sectors of the state’s economy, ranging from agriculture to textiles, furniture, manufacturing, and others.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership, Jerome Green-Amakwe, at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday held in collaboration with its partners, Vega Growing Global Group.
The Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit is being organised by the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. It is scheduled for late November in Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme, ‘Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity’.
Speaking at the press conference, Green-Amakwe said, “We are proud and excited to say that we have indications from no fewer than 40 investors coming from Turkey for this programme, and they are interested in agriculture, textiles, furniture, and, of course, manufacturing. Some of them have also indicated interest in renewable energy and construction.
“Knowing the capital intensiveness of all these ventures, I can say they are running into several millions of dollars. And if you convert that to our naira, it goes into billions.”
Green-Amakwe, who is also the Chairman of the TURAB 2025 Steering Committee, indicated that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with VEGA Growing Global Enterprise to ensure the success of the international investment summit and exhibition.
“The administration of Dr. Alex Otti is committed to creating a more favourable investment environment for the people of the state and all investors who wish to identify with Abia. We are working assiduously with our partners to host a successful investment summit in Umuahia. Through this Summit, we seek to explore business opportunities across key sectors in Abia State, including manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, textiles, fashion, tourism and leatherworks, energy and infrastructure, trade and logistics, among others.
“Our key objective is to strengthen bilateral relations between Turkey, Abia, and Nigeria at large. We also intend to showcase products and services to the dynamic African market. The Summit will provide an opportunity for business-to-business meetings to connect investors, exporters, and local enterprises, as well as promote trade cooperation and strategic joint ventures.”
He added that the Summit is engaging with various State Chambers of Commerce and Industry, including those in Lagos, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Salome Obiukwu, emphasised the preparedness of the state to harness the potential of the investment summit.
Obiukwu said, “Under the leadership of Dr Alex Otti, our government remains unwavering in its commitment to economic transformation, industrial growth, and the empowerment of our people. The Ministry of Trade and Commerce stands at the forefront of this drive, working closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure that Abia becomes the preferred destination for trade, investment, and innovation.
“We warmly invite investors, entrepreneurs, development partners, and the media to join us as we showcase the boundless business opportunities that abound in God’s Own State. Together, we will tell the story of a new Abia, open for business, ready for investment, and determined to lead.”
The Managing Director of Vega Growing Global, Eniola Ojajuni, said, “Abia State is open for business. Looking at the infrastructure the governor has put in place, Abia is the investor destination in the South-East today.”
Director of Projects at Vega Group, John Onyemachi, added that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises were also welcome to the investment summit, given their strategic importance in the economy.
“For SMEs, the strategy is for investors to partner with local companies for products we already have the capacity to produce. One of the things they are coming to do is not just new investments. We have many moribund industries that we expect local operators to sign MoUs to revive.
“We want to use this as an opportunity to transfer technology. They come in with the technical know-how and funds to revive those industries. They will train our people and take charge under technical management agreements. So it’s not just about establishing new industries; they’re also helping to bring back to life those that are dormant.”
