Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has expressed his administration’s willingness to partner with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to boost industrialisation in Abia.

Mr Otti made this known on Tuesday when he received a delegation from UNIDO in Nvosi in the Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said that the state government was eager to work with the organisation in areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture and establishment of a petrochemical refinery, among others.

He lauded the organisation for its vast wealth of experience in crucial sectors such as agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises support, and development of industrialisation policies.

He expressed satisfaction over UNIDO’s familiarity with the state’s needs and potential which played a vital role in driving industrial development through its partnership with the Abia State Government.

He said that achieving industrialisation in Abia remained one of the foremost things on the government’s rebuilding agenda. Mr Otti said that this birthed the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) project in the state.

He said, “Today we have the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park and I believe this is a good time for you to come on board. Looking at the feasibility studies, the areas we are looking at include the industrial park, petrochemical refinery, renewable energy, manufacturing and other areas of engagement. All the areas you have highlighted align with the objectives for starting the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park project.”

Mr Otti reiterated readiness of the government to engage in further discussions with the organisation to further drive industrialisation in the state.

Earlier, the National Programme Officer of UNIDO, Dr Rueben Bamidele, said that the organisation in 2008 worked with the government and the Nigerian Import and Export Council to build a common facility centre for garment and leather manufacturers in Aba.

Mr Bamidele said that the UNIDO, as a specialised agency of the United Nations, promoted industrialisation for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation and developmental sustainability.

He also said that the objectives of the organisation include creating shared prosperity and working with member states and organisations to advance economic competitiveness.

Mr Bamidele further said that UNIDO promoted initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment, strengthening knowledge and technological advancement from developed countries to Nigeria.

He stated, “In Nigeria, we have the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) that binds UNIDO and the government of Nigeria. The PCP has components which cover areas such as industrial governance, statistics and research, the value chain development particularly with agriculture and mining. The components of PCO also cover the special economic zones, industrial parks and industrial cluster development, and trade capacity building. Others are MSMES development, renewable energy and environment.’’

(NAN)