Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Ndigbo to embrace technology and innovation rather than confront Chinese traders operating in Nigeria.
Otti made the call while speaking at the 2026 Igbo Day celebration in Umuahia, where he challenged Igbo entrepreneurs to use technology, manufacturing and digital commerce to strengthen their businesses.
The governor said competition from foreign traders should be addressed through improved productivity and innovation rather than confrontation.
According to him, the changing nature of global commerce means businesses must adopt modern technology, expand their production capacity and find more efficient ways of reaching customers.
Otti encouraged Igbo entrepreneurs to invest in manufacturing and digital platforms, arguing that technology could help local businesses compete more effectively with foreign-owned enterprises.
He pointed to the growing influence of e-commerce and digital marketplaces, noting that businesses no longer need to depend solely on traditional physical markets to reach customers.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s efforts to develop digital skills among young people in Abia through technology-focused initiatives.
He said young Abians who acquire relevant digital skills could work for companies and clients around the world without necessarily leaving the state.
Otti maintained that the Igbo entrepreneurial tradition could be strengthened by combining its established commercial culture with technology, manufacturing and innovation.
He therefore urged business owners and young entrepreneurs to focus on building competitive products, improving quality and adopting modern business methods.
The governor’s comments came amid discussions about the role of foreign traders in Nigeria’s commercial environment and concerns among some local businesses about competition.
Rather than seeking confrontation, Otti said entrepreneurs should develop the capacity to compete by becoming more innovative, productive and technologically equipped.
He also called for greater unity among Ndigbo, saying collective efforts and cooperation would be important in advancing economic development across the South-East.
