The Abia State Government has launched the Steering Committee for the Turkey-Abia (TURAB) Investment Summit, aiming to close Nigeria's trade gap with Turkey and spur industrial growth.
Speaking at the inauguration in Umuahia, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba decried Nigeria's $30 million trade deficit with Turkey in February 2025 alone, blaming the imbalance on over-reliance on raw exports.
"No nation grows without value addition," Ajagba warned, adding that Turkey exports finished goods while Nigeria sends out crude oil.
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He expressed optimism that the November 25–27 summit, organised with Vega Growing Global Enterprises, would reposition Abia, especially Aba, as a manufacturing hub in textiles, leather, and fashion areas Turkey dominates.
Committee Chairman High Chief J.N. Green-Amakwe said the event will attract FDI, boost joint ventures, and open global markets for local entrepreneurs.
"We're resetting Abia's economic narrative," he said, adding that sectors like agro-processing, solid minerals, energy, and infrastructure will be spotlighted.
Ajagba urged the committee to ensure the summit drives job creation, industrialisation, and technology transfer.
