Abia Strengthens Made-in-Nigeria Drive to Boost Local Production and Industrial Growth By  National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office and Abia State Government

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local manufacturing and industrial development by strengthening its partnership with the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, in a move aimed at enhancing the state's productive capacity and contributing to Nigeria's economic transformation.

A high-level delegation from the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office, led by its Executive Director, Hon. Nwabueze George, alongside the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Alhaji Oladipoye Musiliu, paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at the Government House in Umuahia.

The visit forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to promote indigenous products, encourage local production, strengthen domestic industries, and build globally competitive Nigerian brands under the Made-in-Nigeria initiative.

During the engagement, the delegation highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in driving industrialisation, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling environment for manufacturers and small businesses to thrive.

Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu commended the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office for championing policies and programmes that encourage Nigerians to produce, consume, and promote locally manufactured goods.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration to initiatives that promote local production, entrepreneurship, innovation, and industrial development, noting that Abia remains focused on building a productive economy driven by enterprise and value addition.

The Deputy Governor stressed that industrial growth remains central to the state's economic agenda, adding that strengthening local manufacturing will create employment opportunities, stimulate investment, increase internally generated revenue, and improve the competitiveness of Abia-made products in both domestic and international markets.

The National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office also reiterated its commitment to supporting states through programmes that encourage indigenous manufacturing, improve product quality, develop national brands, and expand market access for Nigerian businesses.

The partnership aligns with the Federal Government's broader vision of shifting Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-led economy where locally manufactured products become the foundation for sustainable economic growth, export expansion, and job creation.

Abia State has continued to position itself as one of Nigeria's emerging industrial hubs, leveraging its long-standing reputation in manufacturing, leatherworks, garments, agro-processing, and small-scale enterprises. Through strategic partnerships and pro-business policies, the state aims to attract greater investment while strengthening its industrial base.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to deepening collaboration in promoting local production, strengthening industries, supporting entrepreneurship, and building a more competitive economy.

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy, partnerships such as the one between Abia State and the National Brand Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project Office demonstrate the critical role of collaboration in advancing industrialisation, empowering local businesses, and positioning Nigerian products for greater success in regional and global markets.