From Ngozi Nwatu in Umuahia
Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pst. Caleb Ajagba has raised concerns over Nigeria’s skewed trade relationship with Turkey, describing it as a reflection of the country’s failure to add value to its natural resources.
Ajagba made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Turkey-Abia ,TURAB, Investment Summit and Exhibition scheduled to take place from November 25 to 27, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Ajagba, who represented Governor Alex Otti at the event, said that Nigeria’s economic vulnerability is largely a result of its over-reliance on unprocessed exports and the importation of finished products.
“No country will be able to sustain another country, and no economy will be able to sustain another economy if there is no private creation.
“In February this year alone, Nigeria exported crude oil to Turkey worth $4.3 million, but imported goods valued at over $34.5 million. That’s a trade deficit of more than $30 million in a single month. No nation grows when there is no value addition”, he said.
He blamed this trend on the lack of creative economic thinking in many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that while other countries have maximised their resources, nations like Nigeria have continued to export raw materials.
Ajagba, however, expressed optimism that the Turkey-Abia Investment Summit would mark a turning point for the state, citing the present administration’s focus on industrialisation and infrastructure.
According to him, places like Aba are already witnessing uninterrupted electricity and being repositioned as industrial clusters for textile, garment, and fashion production areas where Turkey has long-established dominance.
“These are some of the things we currently import from Turkey. Now we are setting up the environment to produce them here”, he said.
In his voice, the Chairman of the Steering Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships ,PPP, High Chief J. N. Green-Amakwe explained that the summit is designed to attract foreign direct investment ,FDI, and promote business collaboration between Abia State and the Turkish business community.
He said the three-day event, being organised in partnership with Vega Growing Global Enterprises, will bring together international and Nigerian investors to explore the economic potential of Abia across sectors such as agriculture, agro-allied processing, textiles, leather, energy, solid minerals, warehousing, and infrastructure.
“We aim to promote export-oriented investments and establish joint venture projects between Abia and Turkey. This is more than a summit. It’s a platform to reset the economic narrative of Abia and connect our local entrepreneurs to global opportunities”, Green-Amakwe stated.
He also said the event would build on Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relationship with Turkey, which began shortly after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
“Turkish businesses enjoy a strong public image in Nigeria. We are leveraging this to build trust, expand trade, and create jobs through investment-driven industrialisation”, he added.
The event is expected to serve as a gateway for broader regional partnerships and attract the interest of neighbouring states, reinforcing Abia’s ambition to become Nigeria’s leading investment destination.
Members of the TURAB 2025 Steering Committee:
High Chief J. N. Green-Amakwe – Chairman
Mr Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha – Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce
Mr Chinedu Chijioke – Vice Chairman
Mrs Igwe Jane – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Commerce
Mrs Abalogu Lois Kelechi – Secretary (Head of Department, Investment, Ministry of Trade and Commerce)
Pastor John Onyekachi – Vega Project Partner Group
Prince Eniola Ojajumi – Managing Director, Vega Growing Global Enterprises
Engr. Cletus Ogboms Epko – Abia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA)
SA Agbonma Ukaobasi – Entrepreneurship and Opportunities Development Office ,E.O.D.
Madukairo Uzoma F.C. – Ministry of Justice ,MOJ.
Akpa Morrison Udo – Nigerian Export Promotion Council ,NEPC.
Ajagba, however, charged the committee to work closely with both local and international stakeholders to deliver a successful summit that will stimulate job creation, technology transfer, and industrial growth across the state.
“The government of His Excellency is solidly behind this collaboration. With the calibre of individuals in this committee, I am confident you will deliver creative ideas that will drive Abia’s next industrial phase,” he affirmed.
