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Following the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 4, 2026, for the offtake of the Aba Commercial Smart City (ACSC) under the Public–Private Investment Partnership (PPIP) framework, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured investors of the safety and profitability of their investments in the landmark project.

The governor urged interested investors to accelerate the realisation of the ACSC by releasing funds into the project, stressing that all investments would be fully protected through transparent governance structures and legally backed guarantees.

Governor Otti gave the assurance during a banquet organised in Aba to host investors drawn from different parts of Nigeria who have expressed strong interest in the development of what is projected to become one of Africa’s most advanced commercial smart cities.

He described the Aba Commercial Smart City as a transformational project capable of generating over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting Abia State’s economy and repositioning Aba as a leading industrial and commercial hub on the African continent. He assured them of his preparedness to perform the groundbreaking and increase the projected size of the Aba Commercial Smart City.

According to him, the project will unlock massive economic opportunities for artisans, traders, manufacturers, professionals, transport operators, and service providers, while also expanding the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) base. “This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about jobs, wealth creation, technology transfer, and restoring Aba’s pride of place as the manufacturing capital of Nigeria,” the governor said.

Governor Otti emphasised that ACSC would stimulate industrial growth, attract foreign and local direct investment, reduce unemployment, and create a structured ecosystem where businesses can thrive under modern, secure, and efficient conditions.

Investors at the event, drawn from various sectors including banking, market unions, logistics, manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, hospitality, and energy, commended the governor for his pragmatic leadership and clear economic vision for Abia State. They pledged to match words with action by committing resources toward the speedy delivery of the smart city project.

Economic Value and Benefits of ACSC

The Aba Commercial Smart City is expected to:

Create sustainable employment opportunities for youths and skilled workers

Revitalise Aba’s manufacturing and trading heritage

Boost small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) through access to modern infrastructure

Increase Abia State’s revenue through taxes, leases, and service charges

Decongest existing markets and improve urban planning

Enhance Nigeria’s non-oil economy through export-driven manufacturing

Attract regional and international investors into the South-East corridor

Beyond Aba and Abia State, ACSC is projected to serve as a national commercial nerve centre, supporting supply chains across Nigeria and strengthening the country’s position in regional trade within Africa.

The ACSC project is designed around integrated smart-city principles and includes:

Automated and technology-driven manufacturing clusters

Modern markets and commercial zones

Smart housing and mixed-use real estate developments

Advanced logistics and warehousing facilities

Healthcare and medical service hubs

Hospitality, conference, and leisure facilities

Reliable power solutions anchored on smart energy systems

Digital infrastructure to support fintech, e-commerce, and innovation

With its strategic location around the Aba–Osisioma axis and a robust PPP financing structure, the Aba Commercial Smart City is widely regarded as a bold step toward inclusive growth, industrial revival, and sustainable urban development in Nigeria.