FG Moves to Support Aba Textile Industry, Address Infrastructure and Finance Gaps

The Federal Government has begun exploring measures to support businesses in Abia State, particularly operators in Aba’s textile and garment industry, with infrastructure and access to finance identified as major constraints facing the sector. The development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, John Uwajimogu, during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

Uwajimogu said the Federal Government had taken note of Aba’s strong industrial capacity, particularly its textile and garment cluster, and was considering ways to support businesses operating in the sector.

He said the delegation’s visit was aimed at strengthening engagement with the Abia State Government and identifying areas where federal projects, investments and programmes could be deployed to support economic activity in the state.

According to the presidential adviser, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to finance are among the major challenges restricting the productivity and expansion of businesses in Aba. He said the Federal Government was looking at how to address these constraints while strengthening the state’s industrial base.

The proposed intervention comes as Aba continues to be recognised for its concentration of small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses, particularly in garments, textiles and finished leather products.

Uwajimogu said closer collaboration between the federal and state governments could help create conditions for businesses to expand, improve productivity and attract further investment.

The Federal Government also expressed interest in supporting agricultural development in Abia. During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Cornelius Adebayo, sought the state government’s support for the establishment of a Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Abia.

The proposed agricultural project is expected to aggregate farmers while providing infrastructure, agricultural inputs, security and access to markets.

Governor Otti said his administration was willing to collaborate with NALDA and other stakeholders to develop the state’s agricultural potential. He directed the state Commissioners for Agriculture and Lands to identify suitable locations for the proposed farm project.

The wider engagement reflects efforts by the Federal Government and Abia State Government to strengthen manufacturing, agriculture and investment opportunities across the state.

For Aba’s textile and garment businesses, the proposed federal intervention could focus on addressing the infrastructure and financing gaps that businesses say limit their ability to increase production and expand their operations.