Igbo Traders Must Move Beyond Chinese Competition, Focus on Manufacturing — Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Igbo traders and entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading and focus more on manufacturing and digital commerce as competition in Nigeria’s retail sector increases. Otti made the call on Monday in Umuahia during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which was held under the theme, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo.”

The governor was responding to concerns over the growing presence of Chinese traders in Nigerian retail markets, particularly in Lagos, where they are increasingly competing with businesses traditionally dominated by Igbo entrepreneurs. Otti said the response should not be to remain focused on conventional retail trading but to move further up the economic value chain.

“We are leaving that level of trading. In Abia, we have markets. The markets are important. But we are moving from that level of marketing to manufacturing,” he said.

He said Abia was positioning itself as both a manufacturing and trading centre, while his administration was also promoting digital commerce as a way for businesses to reach customers beyond traditional physical markets.

“So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there. And it’s going to start in Abia,” Otti said. He added that the state was moving from conventional trading towards digital trading, describing technology-driven commerce as an important part of the changing global economy.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s investment in digital skills through the TechRise initiative. According to Otti, some young people trained through the programme are already working remotely for global technology companies from Aba.

Otti’s comments come as discussions continue over how Nigerian businesses can respond to increasing foreign competition while strengthening local production and expanding into technology-driven markets. He said Abia’s approach would combine manufacturing with digital commerce, allowing entrepreneurs to move beyond dependence on physical stores and access wider markets.

The governor also expressed support for Ohanaeze Ndigbo and described the theme of the event, “Njikọ Ka,” meaning “Unity is Supreme,” as relevant to efforts to advance development across the South-East.