The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Abia State’s development agenda, with a focus on digital transformation, reliable electricity, trade expansion and investment promotion.
The assurance was given by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, during a two-day official visit to the state, where he met Governor Alex Otti and inspected several development projects.
Baxter described the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as longstanding and mutually beneficial, noting that existing UK-backed programmes are already contributing to development efforts in Abia State.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the Financial Sector Deepening Africa programme, which supports a waste management and recycling project in the state, and the Digital Access Programme, designed to enhance digital inclusion and strengthen technology-related policies.
A key feature of the visit was a tour of the Geometric Power facility in Aba, a project widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant integrated electricity initiatives. Baxter noted that inadequate and unreliable power supply remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic growth and industrial productivity across the country.
He commended the Geometric Power project, describing it as a practical example of how targeted investments can help address longstanding infrastructure challenges while supporting businesses and communities.
Governor Otti welcomed the UK delegation and reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding access to stable electricity beyond Aba to other parts of the state. He argued that dependable power supply ultimately reduces costs for businesses and households compared to dependence on generators.
The governor also outlined plans to strengthen the healthcare sector through the recruitment of nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals. He disclosed that the state government is pursuing a partnership aimed at establishing a medical city that could help reduce outbound medical tourism and improve access to quality healthcare services.
Beyond healthcare and power, Otti said the administration is working to position Abia as a stronger manufacturing and export hub by improving infrastructure and creating an environment that attracts local and foreign investment.
Baxter expressed optimism about future collaboration and assured the state government that the UK would continue exploring opportunities for both government-to-government and business-to-business partnerships.
Observers say the visit reflects a growing trend of international engagement with Nigerian states pursuing ambitious development and economic transformation programmes. Such partnerships are increasingly viewed as important avenues for attracting investment, improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for sustainable growth at the sub-national level.
