By Faridat Salifu
A major investment in oil palm production and processing is set to revive agriculture in Abia State, with the potential to create over 5,000 jobs for local youths and stimulate economic growth across the Southeast.
The planned project is a $200 million (≈₦166 billion) initiative by Presco PLC, which will acquire 14,000 hectares of land to establish a palm oil processing hub in Abia.
Governor Dr Alex Otti said the venture will restore the state’s agricultural prominence, recalling the historic farm settlements of former Eastern Region Premier, Dr Michael Okpara.
Chairman Olakanmi Rasheed Sarumi noted that the project will attract downstream industries, strengthen local value chains, and reduce rural-urban migration by providing employment across plantation operations, milling, logistics, and related services.
Three locations are under consideration for the project: Ozuitem in Bende, Abam in Arochukwu, and Ulonna in Umuahia North.
Governor Otti assured investors of government support for land acquisition and security and pledged to facilitate a smooth rollout of the project.
He said the venture aligns with the state’s vision to become one of Nigeria’s top three industrial plantation clusters by 2032.
“This initiative is not just about agriculture; it is about empowering youths, stimulating local economies, and creating sustainable livelihoods in our communities,” Otti said.
Experts project that the fully operational hub will contribute billions of naira annually to Abia’s GDP through agricultural output, tax revenues, and the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises.
The project, developed under Abia State’s Public-Private Partnership framework, reflects a renewed focus on agriculture as a driver of industrial growth and regional development.
