The Abia State Government has inaugurated a fresh Economic Management Team to guide the state on strategies for economic growth and development. The team, announced following the weekly Executive Council meeting in Umuahia, will provide expert advice on economic policies and investment initiatives.
Dr. Friday Ohuche, Chief Economic Adviser to the state, was appointed to chair the team. A seasoned development economist with extensive experience in macroeconomics, Dr. Ohuche has worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the World Bank, and brings international expertise in global economic management and fiscal policy analysis.
The team also includes the Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Trade and Commerce, the Accountant General, the Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, the Governor’s Chief Strategy Officer, and other technical advisers. Governor Alex Otti has tasked the team with delivering actionable ideas to accelerate Abia’s economic progress.
In line with the state’s energy agenda, Abia is collaborating with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to regulate mini-grid operations, aiming to attract private investments in the power sector. This follows the passage of the state’s electricity law in 2025 and the participation in the World Bank-backed Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Schedule (DAS), a $750 million initiative targeting renewable energy development.
Meanwhile, the state’s healthcare recruitment drive continues. Nearly 2,000 candidates applied for civil service positions, with 1,348 shortlisted for upcoming CBT tests and interviews in August and September. Additionally, the Civil Service Commission is accepting applications for contract consultants, clinical officers, and other positions until August 30.
On the environmental front, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) is deploying 2.7-tonne waste receptacles in Aba and Umuahia to improve sanitation and clear waterways in areas prone to flooding, including Golden Guinea and Modern Ceramics.
State officials have also warned against the spread of false information about government activities, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to transparency and effective governance.
