The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has endorsed the fiscal trajectory of Abia State, praising Governor Alex Otti for establishing a transparent financial framework, reducing domestic debt, and prioritizing critical infrastructure.
Delivered virtually on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during the grand finale of Abia State’s 35th Anniversary Public Lecture at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s goodwill address underscored the theme, “The Rise of a New Abia.”
Details highlighted during the address and event include: Capital Expenditure Leadership; Abia devoted 77% of its total budget spending to capital investments, the highest proportion among all 36 Nigerian states. The state successfully cleared multi-year salary and pension arrears while shrinking its overall public debt burden.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala cited data showing Abia’s leather hub supplies 35% of West Africa’s demand, yet records near-zero formal export tracking due to informal distribution. She urged the state to turn “Made in Aba” into a globally recognized commercial brand.
The WTO chief advocated expanding market access across ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while positioning Umuahia as a primary light manufacturing center.
In his address, Governor Alex Otti highlighted his administration’s 20% budget allocation to education, noting that human capital development forms the backbone of sustained economic growth. Keynote speaker and former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, validated the visible governance outcomes across the state.
Concluding the proceedings, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, delivered the vote of thanks, reassuring citizens that ongoing tax and revenue automation reforms aim strictly at blocking leakages rather than burdening taxpayers.
