By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Abia State is positioning itself for greater national and international economic recognition as it prepares to host two major business events: the 27th Africando Trade Conference and the Third Aba International Trade Fair, both scheduled to take place in November 2026.
The events are expected to create new investment opportunities, strengthen international business relationships, promote local industries and showcase the state’s growing economic potential.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Abia to Host 27th Africando Trade Conference
Prince Kanu announced that the 27th Africando Trade Conference, also known as the United States–Africa Trade and Investment Conference, will hold from November 17 to 19, 2026, in Umuahia.
He explained that the conference, organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) in partnership with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, marks the first time the international trade and investment gathering will be hosted on African soil.
According to the Commissioner, the event will provide Abia State with an important opportunity to present its investment prospects to international stakeholders while connecting small and medium-scale enterprises with investors from the United States and other parts of the world.
He noted that representatives of various ministries, departments, agencies and local government areas would also use the platform to highlight their respective economic and investment opportunities.
Governor Alex Otti is expected to officially declare the conference open.
Explaining why Abia was selected to host the event, Prince Kanu attributed the decision to the state’s ongoing infrastructure development and the business-friendly environment being promoted by the Otti-led administration.
He further stated that the conference would expose local businesses to opportunities under the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African countries and businesses with preferential access to the American market.
Beyond potential investment agreements, the Commissioner anticipates significant economic benefits for local businesses, particularly hotels, restaurants, transportation operators and other service providers that are likely to experience increased patronage during the conference.
Third Aba International Trade Fair to Showcase Local Industries
In another development, the Information Commissioner announced that preparations were ongoing for the Third Aba International Trade Fair, scheduled for November 27 to December 6, 2026, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, along Aba–Owerri Road.
The event, themed “Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth,” is being organised in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).
The trade fair will showcase several important sectors of the economy, including footwear and leather production, fashion and apparel, food and agro-products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology and renewable energy.
Prince Kanu explained that the initiative is designed to expand the commercial reach of Aba-made products, encourage industrial innovation and strengthen the city’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturing and commercial destinations.
He expressed optimism that the event would further demonstrate Aba’s capacity to compete favourably in national and international markets.
“The 3rd Aba International Trade Fair promises to signpost Aba as a real commercial hub of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole,” the Commissioner stated.
Abia Begins Capacity-Building Programme for Senior Civil Servants
As part of efforts to improve public service performance, Prince Kanu also disclosed that the Abia State Civil Service Commission would organise a specialised capacity-building programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors from November 16 to 28, 2026.
The training programme forms part of the state government’s ongoing public service reforms and will cover critical areas such as change management, professional ethics, succession planning, talent management, leadership and strategic management.
He explained that the initiative is intended to strengthen the leadership capacity of senior government officials, promote accountability and professionalism, and improve the quality and efficiency of public service delivery across the state.
Government Expands Road Maintenance Projects Across Abia
On infrastructure development, the Commissioner revealed that the state government was sustaining its road maintenance programme through 59 direct-labour projects distributed across different parts of Abia.
He disclosed that two projects had recently been completed, while 11 additional projects had been incorporated into the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.
The completed interventions include erosion control works along Ezi-Alayi Road in Bende Local Government Area and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over identified open manholes and drainage channels across Aba and Umuahia.
With the latest intervention, the number of manholes covered by the Ministry of Works has reached 120.
Among the newly introduced projects are the clearing and grading of a three-kilometre road within the Abia State Industrial Innovation Park in Ukwa West; construction of the Late Sir Nwala Link Road–Juan Alec Road in Isiala Ngwa South; maintenance of Akwukwaegbu Drive around Orieugba Market in Umuahia North; and maintenance of the Orie–Eziama–Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North.
Other projects include Amaekpu Street in Abayi, Aba; Ibom Waterfall Road and Ndi Okereke Road in Arochukwu; drainage interventions; rehabilitation of Igbere Ring Road, Phase Three; and road construction within Arochukwu General Hospital.
The Commissioner further revealed that 23 road projects were currently under contract across the state, with construction activities gathering momentum following improvements in weather conditions.
Two major projects expected to be presented for commissioning soon are the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Obiete–Akrika-Obu Road, connecting Obingwa and Ukwa East Local Government Areas, and the seven-kilometre Bende–Idima Road in Abam.
Government Warns Against Vandalism and Unapproved Roadblocks
Prince Kanu also raised concerns over the removal and destruction of manhole covers, warning that anyone caught engaging in such acts would face prosecution.
He described the practice as a criminal offence that exposes road users and pedestrians to serious safety risks, urging residents to protect public infrastructure and report suspected cases of vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
The Commissioner equally cautioned individuals and communities against constructing unauthorised roadblocks and speed bumps on public roads.
He advised communities interested in installing speed breakers or other traffic-control structures to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Works to ensure that such facilities meet approved engineering and safety standards.
Works Commissioner Explains Government’s Position on Speed Bumps
Contributing to the briefing, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otunchere Oti, reinforced the government’s position on the unauthorised construction of road bumps and speed breakers.
He explained that communities seeking such installations must first approach the Ministry of Works for proper assessment and authorisation.
According to him, the ministry would determine whether the installation is necessary and provide the required technical supervision to ensure that approved standards are followed.
He added that the state government could also independently investigate locations identified as accident-prone and introduce appropriate road safety measures where necessary.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, High Chief J.N. Green-Amankwe, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoh, were also present during the briefing.
With the upcoming international trade conference, Aba trade fair, civil service training and expanding infrastructure interventions, the Abia State Government is seeking to strengthen the state’s economic profile, improve institutional efficiency and create a more attractive environment for businesses, investors and residents.
[…] Abia Moves to Global Business Spotlight as Africando Conference and Aba Trade Fair Set for November […]