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With a keen eye for fruitful outcomes, the Abia State Government is looking to partner with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to advance its industrial policy.
Governor Alex Otti revealed this information during a meeting with a delegation from UNIDO, who were conducting a working visit to the State.
Otti praised the organization’s extensive expertise in key areas, including agriculture, sustainable energy, assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strategies for industrialization, among various others.
The Governor emphasized UNIDO’s understanding of the State’s requirements and prospects, highlighting that the synergy between the State Government and the organization would propel the industrial advancement of the State.
‘Clearly UNIDO is vast, even more vast than my earlier understanding, because listening to you, from agriculture, through renewable energy to support for SMEs, industrialisation policy, including this one (Abia Industrial Policy) that I’m seeing for the first time, and issues around environment.
‘UNIDO, seem to be everywhere, and I think I can only say that we are happy that you are here. You can take for granted that we will partner with you.
‘It is interesting that this is not your first encounter with the State, so all that is required is for us to sit down and flesh out the details to know where we are in terms of the support for the shoe and garment industry and take it to the next level.
Read also: Abia State: Otti Assures Corps Members Of Total Support
He emphasised that the State Government’s agenda is to boost Industrialisation, hence the establishment of the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) in Ukwa West LGA of the State.
‘Today we have the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park and I believe this is a good time for you to come on board.
‘Looking at the feasibility studies, the areas we are looking at, include the industrial park, petrochemical refinery, renewable energy, manufacturing and other areas of engagement,’ Otti stated.
He suggested arranging a subsequent discussion and tasked his Principal Secretary and Chief Strategic Officer with liaising with UNIDO to strengthen ties and outline the future course of action for collaboration.
Bankole Jean, UNIDO’s country representative, represented by Reuben Bamidele, national program officer, UNIDO, highlighted that the organization collaborated with the State Government in 2008 to set up a shared facility center for garment and finished leather clusters in Aba, in conjunction with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
He explained that UNIDO serves as a specialized arm of the United Nations dedicated to fostering industrialization to alleviate poverty, promote inclusive globalization, and ensure sustainable development.He emphasized that the organization accomplishes these goals by fostering shared prosperity and collaborating with member states and entities to enhance economic competitiveness.
‘We do these by creating shared prosperity and working with Member States and organisations, by advancing economic competitiveness, safeguarding the environment, strengthening knowledge and institutional advancement for countries.
‘In Nigeria, we have the programme for country partnership (PCP) that binds UNIDO and the Government of Nigeria.
‘The PCP has six departments; industrial governance, statistics and research; value chain development, particularly with agriculture and mining; special economic zones, industrial parks and industrial cluster development; the trade capacity building, MSMEs development, renewable energy and environment’, he stated.
