The recent visit of British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery to Abia State presents an opportunity for the United Kingdom to explore areas of economic partnership with the state government. According to a statement by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the British High Commission, Montgomery visited Umuahia, the state capital, from August 20 to 21, engaging in high-level discussions with Governor Alex Otti, government stakeholders, and business leaders.
During the two-day visit, the High Commissioner and Governor Otti discussed potential opportunities that could benefit both the state and the UK. Montgomery described the visit as a valuable chance to engage with key stakeholders, noting that Abia State is crucial to Nigeria’s economic prosperity. He emphasized the UK’s commitment to fostering growth in the region through a strong partnership with both the state government and the people of Abia.
Montgomery and Governor Otti also attended the graduation ceremony of the State-Level Inclusive Digital Transformation Programme, funded by the UK’s Digital Access Programme (DAP). This initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap by providing relevant training to the state’s civil servants.
In addition to these discussions, Montgomery visited the Geometric Power Company, met with the team behind the Abia Innovation Industrial Park, and engaged with the Aba Chamber of Commerce. He also toured an industrial fair showcasing small and medium-scale manufacturers, exploring opportunities for growth and potential partnerships with UK businesses.
Mark Smithson, the UK’s Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade, highlighted the department’s readiness to support the Abia government and private sector in driving trade within the state. He expressed enthusiasm about building on the discussions held during the visit, aiming to strengthen ties and explore collaboration to boost trade and prosperity for both countries.