Governor Alex Otti has stated that the Abia State Government is prepared to collaborate with the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI) to foster economic growth and enhance value addition across key agricultural sectors in the state.

Otti made these remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from NAADI, led by its Director, Felix Charles, at the Government House in Umuahia. He emphasized that NAADI's objectives align with his administration's economic blueprint.

"We are already looking forward to taking advantage of this," Otti stated, expressing his team's eagerness to work closely with NAADI. He added, "I believe that as you sit down with my team, we will begin to unveil the details and know how to work with you to take full advantage of this initiative that you brought. One thing I can assure you is that my team is very ready."

The governor highlighted that many of NAADI's goals are already incorporated into his administration's manifesto and development plans for Abia.

Otti stressed the importance of processing and industrialization for meaningful economic development, noting that relying solely on raw material production yields limited value. He pointed out Abia's rich endowment in palm oil, cassava, cocoa, cashew nuts, rubber, leather works, and fabrics, emphasizing that these resources could offer greater economic benefits if processed beyond subsistence levels.

Felix Charles, NAADI's Director, described the initiative as a Federal Government program designed to boost agricultural participation, strengthen agro-processing value chains, and enhance access to international markets. He mentioned that NAADI is already operational in eight states, with Abia set to become the ninth to adopt and launch the program.

Charles commended Governor Otti's developmental efforts and assured the state government of NAADI's commitment to a successful partnership. He indicated that Abia would benefit from the initiative's core components, including capacity building, agribusiness promotion, improved market access, and solutions for funding challenges.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Chief of Staff Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Salome Obiukwu, Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce Nwaka Inem, and other senior government officials.