Key points
- Abia State has partnered the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to prepare local businesses for export markets.
- The initiative aims to improve product quality and eliminate counterfeit and substandard goods, particularly in Aba.
- The state also announced progress on smart schools, agriculture, road projects and urban renewal initiatives.
- Government approved pilot greenhouse projects across the three senatorial districts to support year-round food production.
Main story
The Abia State Government has partnered with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to help local entrepreneurs meet international standards for exports and tackle the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed the development while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
Kanu said the Ministry of Trade and Commerce would work with SON to train and certify entrepreneurs in the state, enabling them to meet quality requirements for international markets.
According to him, the initiative is designed to improve the quality of Made-in-Abia products, eliminate counterfeit goods from local markets, particularly Aba, and strengthen the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
Beyond trade and manufacturing, Kanu announced that the Umuomaiukwu Smart School project in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area has been completed and will be inaugurated on Wednesday.
He said the school, previously a conventional public primary school, has been transformed into a technology-driven learning facility under the state’s Smart School Initiative.
On agriculture, the commissioner disclosed that the state had approved the planning committee for the implementation of the Nigeria Agri-Business and Agri-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI).
He said the programme would help unlock Abia’s agricultural and agro-industrial potential while promoting economic diversification through agro-processing.
Kanu also announced government approval for the establishment of two pilot greenhouses in each of the state’s three senatorial districts to encourage year-round vegetable production and strengthen food security.
The commissioner further revealed that preparations had commenced for the third Aba International Trade Fair, themed “Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth.”
He said the event would combine exhibition and conference sessions to create additional opportunities for businesses and investors.
On infrastructure, Kanu said the Ministry of Works had completed three road projects under its direct labour programme and was currently overseeing 26 road projects across the state.
He added that the government had also intensified flood control measures through the desilting of drainage channels in flood-prone areas of Umuahia.
The issues
Abia’s partnership with SON reflects a growing effort by sub-national governments to improve product quality, expand export opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of local industries. The initiative also addresses long-standing concerns about counterfeit products, particularly in major commercial hubs such as Aba.
What’s being said
“The initiative would improve the quality of Made-in-Abia products, eliminate counterfeit and substandard goods from markets, particularly in Aba, and position local manufacturers for the global market.” — Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information
What’s next
The state government is expected to begin entrepreneur training and certification programmes with SON, inaugurate the Umuomaiukwu Smart School and advance preparations for the Aba International Trade Fair and NAADI rollout.
Bottom line
By partnering with SON and investing in agriculture, education and infrastructure, Abia is positioning itself to strengthen local manufacturing, improve export readiness and support broader economic development.
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