Abia State has taken a major step towards expanding its industrial base as Governor Alex Otti announced plans by Egyptian pharmaceutical company, Utopia, to establish a drug manufacturing plant in the state.
The proposal was unveiled on Wednesday when the governor received a delegation from the company, led by Dr. Kamel Mohamed, in a meeting facilitated by Eze Apostle Gift Chibuzor Chinyere.
According to Otti, the proposed investment represents more than a commercial venture, describing it as a strategic initiative that will drive local pharmaceutical production, create employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer and boost the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The governor assured the investors of the Abia State Government’s commitment to the project, pledging to provide land and other necessary support to ensure the successful establishment of the manufacturing facility.
He urged the company to consider locating the plant in the Ukwa or Osisioma axis, citing the availability of reliable electricity from Geometric Power as a key advantage for pharmaceutical manufacturing and other industrial activities.
Otti said the partnership aligns with his administration’s industrialisation agenda and has the potential to position Abia as a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced drug production in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
He reaffirmed that his administration would provide an enabling environment for investors, stressing that every necessary support would be extended to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
