Otti Receives British Deputy High Commissioner, Seeks UK Partnership On Power, Digital Economy, Trade

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday received the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and his team in his office in Umuahia.

Governor Otti in a post on his social media handle, said discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the United Kingdom and Abia State in key areas such as digital transformation, power, trade, investment, education and governance.

According to the Governor, Mr. Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting initiatives that unlock Abia’s economic potential, including the Financial Sector Deepening Africa, FSD Africa, programme on waste recycling and the Digital Access Programme, DAP, aimed at expanding digital inclusion.

He said the British envoy also visited the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, acknowledging the critical role of reliable electricity in driving industrial growth.

“I emphasized that power, digital connectivity, and skilled manpower are central to Abia’s transformation agenda,” Otti stated.

He noted that his administration is working to expand electricity supply, strengthen healthcare delivery, and boost manufacturing and exports from Aba’s vibrant industrial base, while also engaging partners to advance recycling, digital inclusion and medical infrastructure that will reverse medical tourism.

“The partnership with the UK is a welcome development, and we look forward to deepening government-to-government and business-to-business ties that will accelerate Abia’s journey towards sustainable growth and prosperity,” Governor Otti added.