The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has said Abia State holds significant opportunities for American businesses and commercial interests.
Mills stated this on Friday during a visit to Governor Alex Otti at his Nvosi country home in Isialangwa South.
“There are tremendous opportunities here for our business, our commercial interests, and for Nigeria. Your administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and creating a more transparent and accountable government really aligns very closely with our goals and what U.S. business needs to see if it is going to invest,” he said.
The Ambassador commended Otti’s leadership, describing it as a model for improving governance. He noted that his visit was aimed at identifying areas where the United States could partner with Abia to advance shared economic goals.
“Your leadership in Abia has brought real change, a positive change. Your focus on infrastructure and tackling security challenges has really transformed the state. We believe it is a powerful example of how to improve governance across the South-East,” Mills added.
In his response, Governor Otti welcomed the U.S. envoy’s visit, describing it as an endorsement of his administration’s reforms.
“We know that it is not all the time that the American government visits a state. For us, it is a mark of endorsement. In terms of partnership, we don’t believe in grants and aid; rather, we seek collaboration. There is a lot of value we can add by working together. This is probably the SME capital of Nigeria,” Otti said.
He highlighted ongoing reforms in healthcare, education, waste management, small businesses, and digital technology, adding that the Ambassador’s two-day working visit was another vote of confidence in Abia’s investment drive.
Since assuming office in March 2023 under the Labour Party, Otti has positioned Abia as an investor-friendly state through policies promoting fiscal transparency, SME growth, and infrastructure renewal. His administration has also attracted international delegations and development partners, assuring investors of improved security and ease of doing business.
The United States remains one of Nigeria’s largest trade partners, with bilateral trade estimated between $11 billion and $13 billion in 2023, according to U.S. government data.