The United Kingdom Government has expressed readiness to deepen its partnership with Abia State in digital transformation, power, trade, investment and broader economic development.
The commitment was made when the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Johnny Baxter, visited Dr. Alex Otti, as part of a two-day UK engagement with the Abia State Government.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration in key areas of the State’s development, including power, trade and commerce, digital transformation, transportation, education and governance.
Speaking during the engagement, Baxter said the UK-Nigeria relationship was built on shared interests, values and experiences, noting that the partnership had continued to expand across economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology and development.
He said the UK was already supporting programmes in Abia aimed at promoting economic growth and expanding opportunities for residents and businesses.
One of such initiatives is the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa), which is supporting private-sector financing for integrated waste management and recycling through Kaltani.
The UK is also implementing its Digital Access Programme (DAP) in the state to strengthen the policy, regulatory and institutional environment for digital inclusion and the digital economy.
The programme includes policy development, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, while the UK is also working with communities in Arochukwu and Okporoenyi to establish sustainable connectivity hubs.
Baxter also visited the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, where he highlighted the importance of reliable and affordable electricity to economic development.
He commended the integrated power project, including its metering component, while noting that access to dependable electricity remained a major constraint to businesses and industries.
The British envoy also discussed opportunities to retain skilled professionals and young people in Abia, as well as ways of connecting businesses in the State with UK partners and supply chains.
- Media Report