Abia State Strikes Major Deal with IOM to Boost Jobs, Investment & Reverse Migration

Governor Alex Otti has signed a strategic MoU with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) to drive reverse migration and attract investors to Abia. The move aligns with his administration’s goal of transforming the state into an economic powerhouse where migration becomes a choice, not a necessity

 

The Abia State Government has taken a significant step towards economic transformation and human capital development by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM). The agreement, which was formalized on Tuesday, signals Abia’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment that encourages reverse migration—where citizens return to invest and thrive in their home state.

 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti expressed excitement about the collaboration but made it clear that Abia’s priority is not just supporting migration but actively promoting reverse migration. He noted that his administration, within the past 21 months, has implemented policies that create an attractive business climate, making Abia a hub for investment, job creation, and sustainable development.

 

“When people hear about IOM, they often think about supporting migration, but the migration we are prioritizing is reverse migration. While we support voluntary migration, we also want to create an environment where people voluntarily choose to return because the opportunities here are better,” Governor Otti stated.

 

The governor emphasized that the state is on a mission to reposition itself as a destination of choice for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. He highlighted several strategic policies his administration has put in place to reduce poverty, boost employment, and increase Abia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

“We are deliberately building a business-friendly ecosystem. If we make Abia a place where people want to stay, work, and invest, then migration becomes a choice, not a necessity. That is why we are prioritizing policies that attract businesses, create jobs, and reduce unemployment,” Otti added.

 

Governor Otti reiterated that the government is committed to poverty alleviation, citing the establishment of a Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection as proof of the administration’s dedication to economic empowerment.

 

“We are not just making policies; we are taking concrete steps to ensure that fewer people in Abia live in poverty. That is why we have a Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection—because we are serious about lifting people out of hardship,” he said.

 

 

Beyond the MoU, Governor Otti urged the IOM Chief of Mission, Ms. Paola Pace, to leverage her expertise to attract donor agencies and investors to Abia State. He also approved an official office space for the IOM in the state, underscoring his administration’s commitment to a long-term partnership with the UN migration agency.

 

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr. Odinakachi Emeh, described the MoU as a game-changer for Abia’s development agenda. According to him, the partnership will facilitate job creation and empower young people and women, ultimately reducing the incentive for irregular migration.

 

“If people have jobs and a conducive environment, they won’t feel the need to migrate. This partnership with IOM will help us connect with donor agencies and implement projects that will make Abia more attractive for both its residents and returnees,” Emeh stated.

 

In her remarks, Ms. Paola Pace, Chief of Mission for IOM Nigeria, described the partnership as an opportunity to deepen engagement between the UN migration body and the Abia State Government. She assured that IOM would work closely with Abia’s relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to map out strategies that align with the state’s migration and development goals.

 

“We are here to strengthen cooperation with Abia and explore opportunities to bring in donor agencies to support the state’s development initiatives. While we are not a donor agency ourselves, we work closely with many donors and will facilitate partnerships that will benefit Abia,” she said.

 

Pace further noted that IOM’s focus is to ensure migration is a choice made under the right conditions, rather than a desperate escape due to economic hardship. She emphasized that many professionals, including those in the healthcare sector, leave Nigeria for opportunities elsewhere, and IOM seeks to provide solutions that balance migration with local economic growth.

 

“This MoU represents our commitment to working with Abia for a more prosperous future. We will collaborate to bring investors and corporations that will support the state’s development vision,” she assured.

 

The agreement marks a new chapter in Abia’s efforts to position itself as a thriving economic hub, reversing the trend of outward migration and making the state a beacon of opportunity for its people.