British Deputy High Commissioner In Abia To Deepen Digital Transformation And Economic Partnership

BAKARE AKEEM OLASUNKANMI

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, has concluded a two-day visit to Abia State, highlighting the state’s growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunity.

The visit reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Abia State and supporting efforts to create the conditions for inclusive growth, investment, job creation and digital transformation.

The visit included a meeting with HE, Governor Alex Otti, engagements with civil society and electoral stakeholders, a tour of the Geometric Power Plant, and participation in the State-Level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) programme under the UK’s Digital Access Programme, which brought together public and private sector actors to strengthen the policy, regulatory and institutional foundations required for inclusive digital transformation in Abia.

Discussions with Governor Otti covered opportunities to expand UK-Abia cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, education, energy and digital development. They also addressed democratic governance, preparations for forthcoming elections and the importance of a peaceful and inclusive political environment.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “Abia is one of Nigeria’s most entrepreneurial states, and that energy is now being matched by a positive policy environment. Throughout this visit, I have been struck not only by the ambition, innovation and determination I have encountered, but by the deliberate steps the Governor has taken to create the conditions for that ambition to thrive.

“The same is true in the digital space. Digital transformation depends on getting the policy and regulatory environment right, and we are responding to Abia State’s demonstrated desire to do exactly that. The United Kingdom is proud to support Abia’s digital transformation through our Digital Access Programme and the SPRIRET initiative.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with the Government and people of Abia State and building on the strong foundations of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership.”

Governor Otti thanked the British Deputy High Commissioner and his team for visiting Abia, saying that the State is open to partnerships capable of strengthening its economic development, and expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to stronger government-to-government and business-to-business partnerships that will support Abia’s economic transformation.

The Governor particularly welcomed Baxter’s visit to the Geometric Power Plant, describing electricity as central to the success of Abia’s manufacturing and business community.

Gov. Otti said his administration is working to expand reliable electricity supply across the State, stressing that the cost of unreliable power is ultimately higher for businesses because of dependence on generators, diesel and maintenance.

“Once you have reliable power, whatever the cost is, it is still going to be cheaper than not having reliable power,” the Governor said.

Gov. Otti said the State is also working to expand power supply beyond Aba, including efforts to secure the necessary rights to enable Abia operate as an integrated power market, leveraging the infrastructure already available at Geometric Power.

Gov. Otti noted that Aba has a strong manufacturing base, particularly in footwear, garments and other locally produced goods, and said the State Government is working with partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to improve finishing, packaging and export opportunities for locally made products.

Governor Otti assured of the State Government’s participation in the Digital Access Programme engagement scheduled for Thursday, noting that the State Government will continue working with the UK team to identify practical areas of collaboration.