Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has described Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone that propels any strong economy in the world.

Otti stated this yesterday in Aba, the state’s commercial hub, during the Nigeria Business Summit – Regional Tour and commemoration of MSME Day, organised by the state government in collaboration with Stanbic IBTC Bank.

Represented by the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Michael Akpara, Otti said MSMEs make the economies around the world strong through the creation of jobs, stimulation of innovations, reduction of poverty, expansion of local production, and strengthening economic resilience.

The governor said it was in realisation of these that his administration placed enterprise development at the centre of its economic transformation agenda.

“For the first time, Abia is developing a comprehensive MSME policy that will provide a clear institutional and legal framework for enterprise development across the state.”

“The policy will establish strategic priorities for business formation, access to finance, entrepreneurship development, innovation, digital transformation, market access, skills development, infrastructure support, regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, women and youth enterprise development.”

Otti noted that one of the greatest challenges facing enterprise development is the absence of reliable and credible business data. He, however, announced that to address the challenge, his administration was developing the second comprehensive MSME Directory in the state.

MEANWHILE, the management of Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, Nigerian Breweries Plc, has commended Otti for the successful reconstruction of the Industry/Onyeador Road network, a vital access route serving the company’s Aba brewery axis and surrounding industrial communities.

The commendation follows the commissioning of the newly reconstructed road, an event that was part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Abia State Government and represents a significant milestone in the continued partnership between Nigerian Breweries and the Abia State Government towards enabling sustainable industrial growth and community development.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director, NB Plc, Thibaut Boidin, said that the reconstruction of the Brewery Road demonstrates the positive impact of purposeful leadership and strategic investment in infrastructure. He noted that quality infrastructure remains essential for industrial productivity, efficient logistics, and sustainable economic growth.