Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has commended the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti for implementing reforms she said were strengthening the state’s financial sustainability and laying the foundation for economic transformation.
Okonjo-Iweala made the remarks on Wednesday, August 27, 2026, in a virtual goodwill message delivered at the 35th anniversary lecture marking the creation of Abia State, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
The lecture, themed “The Rise of a New Abia,” brought together government officials, political leaders and other stakeholders to reflect on the state’s development and its prospects for the future.
The WTO chief said the Otti administration had made significant progress in strengthening Abia’s finances by increasing internally generated revenue (IGR), reducing dependence on Federation Account allocations and giving greater priority to capital expenditure.
She also cited the administration’s investments in infrastructure and improved electricity supply, alongside the settlement of inherited salary and pension arrears and efforts to reduce the state’s debt burden.
According to Okonjo-Iweala, the developments demonstrate progress in governance and have begun attracting attention beyond the state.
While acknowledging that more work remained to be done, she expressed optimism that Abia could leverage its considerable economic potential to create jobs, expand prosperity and improve the dignity and living standards of its people.
She stressed that improved infrastructure, supportive government policies and strategic investment in sectors with high growth potential could enable the state to secure stronger positions within national, regional and global value chains.
Okonjo-Iweala particularly challenged the Abia Government to take advantage of the global reputation of Aba’s manufacturing sector by developing the “Made in Aba” identity into a globally recognised brand.
She also called for the strengthening of Umuahia as a light manufacturing and administrative centre, noting that such strategic positioning could complement Aba’s industrial strength and further broaden Abia’s economic base.
The WTO director-general’s endorsement adds an international dimension to the Otti administration’s development agenda as the state marks 35 years since its creation.
