A landmark joint venture project of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Abia State Government has been formally launched in the state.

This Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) was officially launched  at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf OlaTunji Alausa said the establishment of the Manu-Tech UniPod reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation.

Describing it as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” the Vice President noted that Universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching and research to become hubs for enterprise development, technology transfer, and industrial competitiveness.

In his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, said the siting of the UniPod in Abia speaks to the institutional faith the UNDP and Federal Government have in the State’s potential as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

He noted that, the faith and efforts the partners have in Abia is yielding tangible results, adding that the event is a demonstration of that, and appreciated the siting of the project in Abia.

“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

The Governor who disclosed that his government supported the UniPod project because it aligns perfectly with the economic development outline of his administration, noted that,

“With the launch of the UniPod, a new interest in qualitative research will develop as scientists, students and everyone connected to the University ecosystem begin to look beyond random and hurried publication of academic papers just to score points for the next promotion cycle.

“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor thanked all the stakeholders and partners including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the UNDP for their efforts and willpower that gave birth to the transformational project.

“Over the last 3 years, we have found them to be reliable partners which explains our expanding body of joint ventures projects targeting entrepreneurship development, job creation and similar initiatives aimed at opening new layers of economic and social opportunities for our women and young people in particular,” Gov. Otti stated.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the launch as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem being developed across Nigeria through the UniPod initiative.

She explained that the programme aims to connect education, research, innovation, enterprise, and manufacturing, enabling Universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Ms. Attafuah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-driven development. She particularly extolled Governor Alex Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Earlier in her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursala Akanwa, described the commissioning as a defining moment in the University’s history.

She said the project represents the fulfilment of the institution’s mandate to deploy science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development, manufacturing, and enterprise.

Prof. Akanwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for choosing MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Tech UniPod.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, prototyping facilities, and industry mentorship to convert research ideas into market-ready products.

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Abia State Government have reiterated the need for sustained reforms, stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, and a more enabling business environment to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth across Nigeria.

Speaking at the PEBEC Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to business-friendly reforms, declaring that Abia remains open to investment, partnerships, and economic prosperity.

Representing Governor Alex Otti, Emetu welcomed the PEBEC delegation, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and government officials to the workshop. He commended the council for promoting collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments in efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment.

He noted that since assuming office in May 2023, the Otti administration has pursued an ambitious reform agenda focused on strengthening institutions, restoring public confidence, improving infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

According to the Deputy Governor, the administration has invested heavily in critical infrastructure, particularly the reconstruction of roads linking commercial centres, industrial clusters, markets, and communities across the state, thereby improving connectivity and boosting investor confidence.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen security through technology-driven initiatives, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency collaboration, describing Abia as increasingly safer and more attractive to investors.

Emetu stated that the government has embraced digital transformation by modernising government processes, expanding fibre-optic infrastructure, digitising key public services, and promoting data-driven governance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He identified land administration reform as one of the state’s most significant achievements, citing the introduction of the “Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days” initiative.

“Since May 2023, this administration has issued more than 4,407 Certificates of Occupancy, exceeding the cumulative number issued by previous administrations over the preceding 24 years,” he disclosed.

He explained that the initiative has strengthened property rights, improved access to finance, enhanced investor confidence, and reinforced transparency and efficiency in land administration.

The Deputy Governor further revealed that the state has deployed digital platforms for land administration, established a Citizens Engagement Centre, created One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, and launched an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local businesses and expand export opportunities.

On human capital development, Emetu said the government has recruited over 5,300 teachers and more than 600 healthcare workers while expanding opportunities for skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

While acknowledging the progress made, he stressed that reform remains a continuous process and assured participants that the state government would continue to deepen policies that attract investment, stimulate innovation, create jobs, and improve living standards.

Earlier, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to build a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.

She conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and noted that his administration is implementing one of the most ambitious economic reform agendas in Nigeria’s recent history.

According to Audu, sustainable economic growth can only be achieved when all tiers of government work together to create a seamless investment environment that rewards enterprise, promotes productivity, and expands opportunities for citizens.

“The future of Nigeria’s economy will not be determined in Abuja alone. It will be shaped in our states, cities, industrial clusters, farms, innovation hubs, and local government areas,” she said.

She stressed that investors ultimately make decisions based on the attractiveness of individual states, adding that policy consistency, infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, and ease of doing business remain critical factors in attracting investment.

The PEBEC Director-General further highlighted the importance of supporting both existing and emerging businesses, while underscoring innovation, research, and technology as essential drivers of competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

She explained that the nationwide subnational engagement tour is designed to strengthen partnerships between the Federal Government and state governments, promote business-friendly reforms, and unlock the vast investment potential across Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Ease of Doing Business, Hon. Barr. Jennifer Agbonma Okorafor Ukaobasi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investors, stimulating economic growth, and increasing internally generated revenue.

Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Ukaobasi, said her office was established to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that businesses operate in a conducive environment.

According to her, the Ease of Doing Business Office serves as a bridge between government institutions and the private sector, working to remove regulatory obstacles that hinder business growth while encouraging investments that can create jobs and expand the state’s tax base.

“The objective is to make Abia attractive to investors. When businesses come and thrive, they create jobs, increase economic activities, expand the tax net, and contribute significantly to economic growth,” she said.

She explained that the PEBEC engagement provides an opportunity for government officials and private sector stakeholders to assess the state’s progress in creating an enabling business environment. She noted that feedback from businesses and investors helps government identify areas requiring further reforms, including regulatory frameworks, taxation, and infrastructure.

Highlighting the state’s achievements, she disclosed that Abia has made significant progress in the national Ease of Doing Business rankings.

“Abia was previously ranked 32nd among the 36 states of the federation. Through deliberate reforms, we moved to 21st position, and by last year, we rose to 11th place. Governor Alex Otti has given us a clear mandate to attain the number one position, and we are working diligently towards achieving that goal,” she stated.

She further revealed that Abia recently qualified for the disbursement of a World Bank-supported loan after meeting key reform indicators, describing the achievement as evidence of the state’s commitment to business-enabling reforms.

The SSA explained that engagements with PEBEC, the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), and the World Bank occur regularly throughout the year. These engagements include the development of Business Enabling Reform Action Plans, mid-year progress reviews, and stakeholder consultations aimed at strengthening the state’s reform agenda.

Beyond these formal engagements, she said her office conducts regular awareness campaigns, workshops for civil servants, and consultations with organised private sector groups to ensure alignment with the state’s ease of doing business objectives.

On accessibility, Ukaobasi, disclosed that her office is located on the third floor of the JAAC Building in Umuahia, occupying Rooms 304 to 306. She also noted that the state has established three One-Stop Shops to provide streamlined services for business registration, formalisation, and other investor-related processes.

She encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking government support or information on formalising their businesses to take advantage of the services provided through her office and the One-Stop Shops across the state.

The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, members of the organised private sector, business leaders, and policy experts to deliberate on strategies for improving investment competitiveness and strengthening business-enabling reforms across the country.

Participants expressed optimism that the collaboration between PEBEC and state governments would further accelerate reforms aimed at making Nigeria a preferred destination for investment, enterprise, and sustainable economic development.

Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
04/06/2026

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has launched a ₦306 million tech-enabling business grant called NKATA to support businesses across all 17 LGAS of the State.

Speaking while receiving the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, (ATSAC), and unveiling the project, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the youths of the State.

Governor Otti reiterated that the initiative was deliberately designed to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries across the State to ensure inclusiveness and wider access to economic opportunities.

The State Chief Executive noted that a total sum of ₦306 million has been earmarked for the beneficiaries, and maintained that they must meet up with the requirements for benefiting from the project and expressed the hope that the intervention would yield positive results.

“I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions.

“In a few months’ time, I want to hear that this intervention has yielded results, not just in monetary terms, but in job creation, poverty reduction, and empowerment of our people,” Governor Otti stated

The Governor said that the programme aligns with his administration’s vision of building a productive, self-reliant and innovation-driven economy, saying that government has gone forth and back on the issue and is now convinced that it would help to support the youths.

He explained that his administration deliberately chose to invest in productive ventures capable of generating long-term economic value, instead of funding mere consumption.

“We have gone forth and back on this, and we are convinced that this is one of the ways to support and help our people,” Governor Otti stated.

“The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested, and that investment will yield returns. This is our own way of intervening,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the grant project forms part of broader economic empowerment initiatives of his administration targeted at equipping Abians with relevant skills and support to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

The Governor said that the goal is to support and train Abia people so that they can become self-reliant and employers on their own, and urged them to utilise the opportunity responsibly by expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Abia State.

Presenting the project earlier, the Director-General, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC), Mr Peter Ukonu,
described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at supporting businesses, reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the State.

He explains that the NKATA, which adopts a different structure by deploying support through technology providers, rather than giving cash, was deliberately designed to ensure that technology resources are utilised for business expansion and productivity rather than diverted to other personal expenditures.

“We are not giving cash to businesses directly. We are actually doing so through technology service providers,” Ukonu added.

He said that the programme brings together business technology service providers and mentors to drive digital tools, automation and AI, adding that the goal is to help Abia businesses move from survival to growth, improve productivity, create jobs and build a new generation of technology-enabling businesses.

Mr. Ukonu, who revealed that technology companies, software firms, hardware suppliers and internet providers would participate as service providers, while mentors, including those in the diaspora, would guide businesses in developing viable proposals and matching technological needs with solutions, explained that those eligible for the scheme are all Abia residents, who do business and pay taxes in Abia.