Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, has officially launched the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) programme in the state.
The programme was inaugurated on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a stakeholder engagement held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, Otti described digital technology as an indispensable accelerator of development and urged stakeholders to develop practical solutions to challenges confronting communities across the state.
The governor specifically called for the use of digital technology to address security challenges, unemployment, post-harvest losses in agriculture, urban property rentals, environmental degradation and other social and economic problems.
> “My charge to all of us… is to identify ways of leveraging the possibilities of digital technology to solve much of the real problems confronting our communities,” Otti said.
Otti explained that the stakeholder engagement was designed to explore ways of re-engineering the state’s technology regulatory framework, reducing structural barriers and attracting greater private-sector investment.
According to him, SPRIRET was established by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) to support states in developing robust policy frameworks, resilient systems and institutions necessary for connected and accountable digital economies.
The governor highlighted his administration’s investment in technology and digital skills, noting that more than 2,200 young people had been trained in various ICT skills through the TechRise programme.
He also cited other initiatives, including ThriveAbia, Abia Digi-Upskill and the Girls-in-ICT programme, as efforts aimed at equipping residents with skills for local and international opportunities.
Otti commended the British Deputy High Commissioner and former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, for their interest in supporting Abia’s development.
In his remarks, Baxter said the UK was pleased to partner with Abia State, stressing that digital technology could improve public services, create economic opportunities and strengthen government effectiveness.
“Digital transformation cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires collaboration and open dialogue,” Baxter said.
He disclosed that the UK had supported about 450 civil servants in Abia to upgrade their digital skills, while community-owned connectivity hubs were being developed to expand affordable access to digital services and improve digital literacy.
Baxter said one of the connectivity hubs was already operational at Okporoenyi Community, while another was being established in Arochukwu.
He expressed hope that the SPRIRET initiative would encourage further investment, including from British companies, while promoting innovation, inclusion and sustainable economic growth.
The state’s Chief Information Officer, Gerald Ilukwe, said the programme would assess Abia’s digital ecosystem and identify areas requiring improvement across government, the private sector, civil society and the wider technology sector.
Ilukwe said the state had recorded progress in digital infrastructure, connectivity, e-health services, digital public administration and support for technology entrepreneurs.
He added that the FCDO, through its Digital Access Programme, was supporting five Nigerian states, including Abia, to undertake policy, regulatory and institutional reforms for digital development.
The Chief Information Officer said Abia remained open to further technical assistance and partnerships with the UK Government and other stakeholders to accelerate digital transformation and expand inclusive access to technology.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency Obi Aguocha, former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, Chief of Staff Caleb Ajagba and other senior government officials.
