Gov Otti Backs Egyptian Firm’s Plan to Establish Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in Abia

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to industrialization and economic development with a pledge of full government support for the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Abia State by Utopia, an Egyptian pharmaceutical company.

Governor Otti gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Egypt-based firm at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. The delegation was led by Eze Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere alongside the representative of Utopia, Mr Kamel Muhamed.

Describing the proposed investment as a major milestone in the state’s drive towards economic transformation, Governor Otti said the project would accelerate industrialisation, create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic activities and facilitate technology transfer.

The Governor advised the investors to consider the Ukwa axis as the preferred location for the proposed manufacturing facility, citing the area’s strategic advantages, including abundant natural gas, reliable electricity supply and expansive land suitable for industrial development.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the proposal, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Health, Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, to engage further with the investors and provide the necessary government support required to advance the project.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr Kamel Muhamed disclosed that Utopia is seeking an investment partnership with the Abia State Government to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant that would serve not only Nigeria but the wider West African market.

He noted that the company already operates within the framework of an existing Memorandum of Understanding between Egypt and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on drug registration.

According to him, Utopia has successfully executed similar pharmaceutical manufacturing projects in Tanzania and other African countries and intends to replicate the model in Abia, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and technology.