Abia State Strengthens Made-in-Nigeria Agenda as National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office Team Deepens Strategic Partnership

The drive to reposition Nigeria as a globally competitive production economy received another significant boost as the Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting indigenous manufacturing, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthening local industries through strategic collaboration with the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project.

The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation from the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project to the Government House in Umuahia on June 25, 2026.

The delegation, led by the Executive Director of the Project, Hon. Nwabueze George, alongside the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Alhaji Oladijoye Musiliu, was received by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, on behalf of the state government.

Abia Reaffirms Commitment to Industrial Development

Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Governor applauded the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project for championing initiatives that encourage local production and national economic transformation.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of Governor Alex Otti's administration to policies that promote entrepreneurship, industrial development, innovation, and manufacturing excellence. According to him, Abia State remains focused on building a productive economy where local industries thrive, and indigenous businesses compete successfully both within Nigeria and internationally.

Expanding Opportunities for SMEs and Manufacturers

The Honourable Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Michael Enyinnaya Akpara, welcomed the delegation and described the visit as an important step toward creating stronger partnerships that will benefit entrepreneurs and manufacturers across the state.

He emphasized that Abia has built a reputation as one of Nigeria's foremost centres for entrepreneurship, innovation, and manufacturing, expressing confidence that collaboration with the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project would create greater market access for SMEs while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of products manufactured in the state.

Building Strong Nigerian Brands for Global Competitiveness

In his address, the Executive Director of the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, Hon. Nwabueze George, highlighted the critical role of national branding in Nigeria's industrial and economic transformation.

He noted that promoting Made-in-Nigeria products and supporting indigenous industries are fundamental to creating sustainable economic growth, generating employment, reducing import dependence, and positioning Nigerian brands for global recognition.

According to him, the project seeks to provide Nigerian businesses with increased visibility, stronger market access, and greater opportunities to compete internationally.

Hon. George also announced that the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project 2026 will take place from 22nd to 26th September 2026, bringing together government institutions, manufacturers, investors, development partners, SMEs, and other stakeholders from across the country to promote indigenous products, strengthen national brands, and accelerate Nigeria's industrialisation agenda.

Call for Greater Collaboration

Delivering the vote of thanks, Chairman of the Technical Committee, Alhaji Oladijoye Musiliu, commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the remarkable transformation taking place across Abia State.

He praised the administration's commitment to rebuilding critical sectors of the state's economy and creating a legacy of sustainable development that future generations will remember.

Musiliu further called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, SMEs, investors, and development partners, stressing that achieving the objectives of the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project requires collective effort and sustained partnership.

Advancing Nigeria's Production Economy

The meeting featured extensive discussions on strategies to strengthen the Made-in-Nigeria campaign, promote local content development, support enterprise growth, attract investment, and position Nigerian products for increased acceptance in both domestic and international markets.

The engagement aligns with the broader vision of transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-led economy powered by industrialisation, innovation, value addition, and globally competitive national brands.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and SMEs, Dr. Okey Ihemanma; the Special Adviser on SMEs, Lady Chinwe Kanu; the Abia State Coordinator of the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, Mrs. Nwosu Chinyere; and the Ministry's Legal Adviser, Barr. Forgiveness Madukairo.

As momentum continues to build nationwide, partnerships such as this between state governments and the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project are expected to play a vital role in driving Nigeria's industrial renaissance, empowering local businesses, and elevating Made-in-Nigeria products to global standards.