Abia State is poised to attract billions of dollars in fresh foreign investments, with over 40 Turkish firms and other international investors confirming participation in the upcoming Abia-Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition (TURAB 2025).

The summit with the theme, ‘Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity’, is scheduled to be held from November 25 to 27, 2025, in Umuahia, and aims to deepen trade relations between Turkey and Abia while unlocking multi-sector investment opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

The Abia State Government has expressed optimism that the event will position the state as a viable destination for industrial and commercial ventures. To ensure the summit’s success, the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VEGA Growing Global Enterprise.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Lagos, Jerome Green-Amakwe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and chairman of the TURAB 2025 Steering Committee, described Abia State as the investment destination in the Southeast.

He stated the summit is geared towards attracting reputable investors and promoting Abia as a focal point for industrial and commercial activities.

We have confirmation from no less than 40 investors from Turkey interested in agriculture, textiles, furniture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and construction. Given the potential of these sectors, we anticipate investments amounting to several million dollars, which will translate into billions locally,” Green-Amakwe explained.

He noted that the administration under Governor Alex Otti is committed to fostering an appealing environment for business.

“Through this Investment Summit, we aim to uncover opportunities across vital sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, fashion, tourism, energy, and trade logistics,” he added.

Green-Amakwe said “the summit will feature Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements designed to foster partnerships and facilitate technology transfer between foreign investors and local entrepreneurs. Collaborations with chambers of commerce in Aba, Umuahia, Lagos, Kano, and Abuja are underway to ensure robust participation and effective networking.”

Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Abia State, Dr. Salome Obiukwu, reiterated the government’s dedication to hosting this impactful event while promoting inclusive economic growth.

“Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to economic transformation, industrial development, and empowering our citizens,” she stated.

Obiukwu assured that comprehensive security and logistics arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth three-day event at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.

The managing partner at VEGA, Mr. Eniola Ojajuni, acknowledged that while global economic challenges can affect investments, Abia’s internal policies and incentives are designed to mitigate potential risks for investors.

The director of Projects at VEGA, John Onyemachi, emphasized that the summit will prioritize small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encourage collaborations between foreign investors and local firms.

“Our strategy is to foster partnerships where investors can blend their technical expertise and funding with the existing capacities of local businesses. It is about creating new factories and revitalizing existing industries,” he elaborated.

He highlighted that the government has identified several dormant industries, including the ceramic factory in Umuahia and textile and machine tool plants in Aba, which present significant opportunities for revival through strategic partnerships emerging from the summit. (LEADERSHIP)