BUA Group has urged Nigerian state governments to build stronger relationships with private investors, arguing that infrastructure, predictable policies and a stable business environment will be crucial to attracting capital and creating jobs.
The conglomerate made the call at the 2026 Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Meet the Governor Series in Lagos, where Abia State Governor Alex Otti presented his administration’s plans to position the state for increased investment and industrial development.
BUA served as Lead Sponsor of the event, themed “Repositioning Abia for Enterprise, Industrialisation and Sustainable Economic Growth.”
The discussions focused on how state governments can provide the infrastructure, institutions and policies businesses need before committing significant long-term investments.
BUA identifies what investors want from states
Speaking on behalf of BUA Group founder and Executive Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, BUA Foods Managing Director Ayodele M. Abioye said Nigeria’s states would play an increasingly important role in the country’s economic transformation.
According to Abioye, state governments can drive infrastructure development, industrialisation, investment and employment.
However, he argued that attracting investors requires more than ambitious economic programmes.
Businesses considering long-term investments also examine factors including policy consistency, transparency, security, regulatory certainty and infrastructure, he said.
Abioye explained that BUA’s own investments and partnerships across Nigeria have been guided by its belief that sustainable development requires enterprise, innovation and strategic private-sector participation.
Otti: “Abia is open for business”
Governor Otti used the Lagos gathering to pitch Abia State directly to investors, declaring that the state was “open for business.”
He identified potential investment opportunities across manufacturing, agribusiness, agro-processing, SMEs, trade, the digital and creative economy, inclusive finance and diaspora-led investment.
Otti said his administration was directing significant public resources towards infrastructure that could support private businesses.
According to the governor, 80% of Abia’s ₦1.016 trillion 2026 budget has been allocated to capital expenditure.
He argued that roads, electricity and improved movement of people and goods are essential foundations for commercial activity.
From leather to power: Abia targets multiple industries
Beyond infrastructure, the governor highlighted opportunities in livestock and dairy production, cocoa, cashew, rubber processing, garment manufacturing, ceramics and leather production.
Healthcare, tourism, electricity, transport and logistics were also identified as areas with investment potential.
The strategy seeks to build on Abia’s existing reputation for entrepreneurship, particularly Aba’s manufacturing, trading and indigenous business ecosystem.
BUA backs investment that creates local value
Abioye welcomed the emphasis on infrastructure and enterprise, saying collaboration between governments and businesses should produce measurable economic benefits.
For BUA, such partnerships should lead to greater domestic production, stronger value chains, employment opportunities and increased economic activity.
He said the group remained willing to engage governments and credible institutions working to create sustainable environments for businesses and long-term investors.
President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Prince Abimbola Olashore also highlighted Abia’s entrepreneurial strengths.
Olashore said businesses need reliable infrastructure, predictable government policies, responsive institutions, security and market access to thrive.
He described government and the private sector as complementary partners in creating sustainable economic value.
The event was attended by business leaders, investors and policymakers, including British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter and Lagos Business School economics professor Bongo Adi.
BUA Group was recognised as Lead Sponsor of the 2026 NBCC Meet the Governor Series.
Founded by Abdul Samad Rabiu in 1988, BUA Group has investments spanning food production, manufacturing, cement, infrastructure, mining, construction, real estate and related industries.
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