Abia Set To Host Africando Conference, International Trade Fair

Abia State is poised to gain national and international visibility as it prepares to host the 27th Africando Trade Conference, scheduled to hold from November 17 to 19, 2026, in Umuahia, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu disclosed that the United States-Africa Trade and Investment Conference would be hosted on African soil for the first time, noting that the event is organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) in partnership with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce.

He explained that the conference would provide Abia with an important opportunity to showcase its investment potential and connect small and medium-scale enterprises with international investors.

Describing the event as a major economic opportunity for the state, the Commissioner said investors from the United States would converge on Umuahia to interact with Nigerian and other African businesses while exploring areas of trade and investment collaboration.

He added that ministries, agencies and local government areas in the state would also have the opportunity to present their respective investment opportunities, while Governor Alex Otti is expected to officially declare the conference open.

“Abia’s selection as host was influenced by the significant infrastructure development and business-friendly environment being established by the present administration,” Kanu said.

The Commissioner further noted that the conference would expose businesses in the state to opportunities provided by the United States-inspired African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants eligible African businesses access to the American market.

Beyond investment opportunities, he said the conference was expected to stimulate economic activities across the state, particularly in the hospitality, transportation and food sectors, as hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other businesses are likely to benefit from increased patronage.

In another development, Prince Kanu announced that arrangements were ongoing for the Third Aba International Trade Fair, scheduled for November 27 to December 6, 2026, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

The trade fair, themed, “Aba Beyond Borders” Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth,” is being organised in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).

He disclosed that the exhibition would showcase various sectors, including footwear and leather works, fashion and apparel, food and agro-products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology and renewable energy.

The initiative, he said, is aimed at further positioning Aba as a major commercial and industrial centre in the South-East and Nigeria at large.

“The 3rd Aba International Trade Fair promises to signpost Aba as a real commercial hub of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole,” Kanu said.

The Commissioner also revealed that the State Civil Service Commission would conduct a capacity-building programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors between November 16 and 28, 2026, as part of the government’s sustained efforts to reform the public service.

The training will cover areas such as change management, work ethics and professionalism, succession planning, talent management, leadership and strategic management.

He explained that the programme was designed to improve the competence of senior public servants, strengthen professionalism and enhance the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery across the state.

On road infrastructure, Kanu said the state government was sustaining its efforts to maintain existing roads through 59 direct-labour road maintenance projects spread across different parts of Abia.

He disclosed that two projects had recently been completed, while 11 additional projects had been incorporated into the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.

“The completed projects include erosion control interventions along Ezi-Alayi Road in Bende Local Government Area and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over identified open manholes and drains in Aba and Umuahia. The development brings the total number of manholes covered by the ministry to 120,” Kanu explained.

Among the newly introduced projects are the clearing and grading of a three-kilometre road within the Abia State Industrial Innovation Park in Ukwa West, construction of Late Sir Nwala Link Road–Juan Alec Road in Isiala Ngwa South, maintenance of Akwukwaegbu Drive at Orieugba Market in Umuahia North, and maintenance of Orie–Eziama–Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North.

Others include the construction of Amaekpu Street, Abayi, Aba, Ibom Waterfall Road and Ndi Okereke Road in Arochukwu, drainage works, rehabilitation of Igbere Ring Road, Phase Three, and road construction within Arochukwu General Hospital.

The Commissioner further disclosed that 23 road projects were currently being executed under contract across the state, with construction work progressing following improvements in weather conditions.

He noted that two of the projects, the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Obiete–Akrika-Obu Road, connecting Obingwa and Ukwa East Local Government Areas, and the seven-kilometre Bende–Idima Road in Abam, would soon be ready for commissioning.

Prince Kanu also cautioned residents against removing or tampering with manhole covers, describing the act as a criminal offence that endangers public safety. He warned that anyone caught engaging in such acts would face prosecution and urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure and report cases of vandalism.

He equally warned individuals and communities against erecting unauthorised roadblocks or installing speed bumps on public roads without government approval.

“Anyone or community intending to undertake such projects must first obtain clearance from the Ministry of Works to ensure that the installations meet approved standards and do not contribute to the premature deterioration of roads,” Kanu warned.