Empowering Abia’s Youth Economy: A Blueprint to Rival Singapore’s Success
*Introduction:
Learning from Singapore’s Playbook*
Singapore, a nation with no natural resources, transformed itself into a $466 billion economy (2023 GDP) by prioritizing innovation, education, and governance. Similarly, Abia State—home to 4.167 million people, 70% of whom are under 30—can leverage its youthful population to drive a Singapore-style revolution. Governor Alex Otti’s recent pledge to invest 15% of the state’s ₦567 billion budget (2024) in youth empowerment signals readiness. With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at 19.7% (NBS, 2023) and Abia’s even higher at 34%, this blueprint offers a data-driven roadmap to turn demographic potential into economic power.
Current Challenges: Bridging the Gaps
High Unemployment and Informal Reliance
Abia’s youth face systemic hurdles: 62% of employed youth work in informal sectors like Ariaria International Market, which generates ₦50 billion annually but lacks access to formal credit. Only 18% of Abia’s secondary schools offer advanced STEM programs, compared to Singapore’s 95% STEM enrollment rate. Additionally, just 32% of Abia’s rural areas have reliable internet (NCC, 2023), stifling digital entrepreneurship.
Strengths to Build On
Abia’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through its “Aba Made” manufacturing sector, which employs over 250,000 youths in footwear and garment production. The Abia Innovation Center (AIC), launched in 2023, has already trained 2,000 youths in coding and robotics, with 45% securing tech jobs. These foundations position Abia to replicate Singapore’s SME-driven growth, where small businesses contribute 50% of GDP.
Strategic Pillar 1: Education Revolution
Action: Our amiable Governor has launched AbiaFirst, which encompasses science Academies to bridge STEM gaps.
Singapore’s success stems from its 86% tertiary enrollment rate, while Abia lags at 28%. Otti is energized to help Abia State University, ABSU, partner with institutions like USA’s MIT and Andela, the state has designed and is currently reviewing it’s curricula in AI, robotics, and green energy. Governor Otti is considering an additional ₦20 billion investment over five years could train 10,000 youths annually, targeting a 50% increase in STEM graduates by 2030.
Metric: Abia State government wants to raise tertiary enrollment to 60% and reduce STEM skills gaps by 40% by 2027.
Strategic Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Action: Dr Otti is wants a ₦10 billion Youth Innovation Fund. This is because during his numerous visits, he learnt that
globally, 75% of startups fail due to funding gaps (World Bank, 2023). By offering grants and low-interest loans (3% APR), Abia can catalyze sectors like agritech and e-commerce. The fund, in Otti’s mind will prioritize startups in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia where 70% of SMEs lack access to formal financing.
Metric: Dr Otti has concluded plans to expand incubation of 500 startups yearly, aiming for 20% to scale into ₦1 billion enterprises by 2030.
Strategic Pillar 3: Digital Infrastructure Overhaul
Action: As I report today, the governor has concluded arrangements to commence the building of a statewide 5G network and subsidize internet access. He’s wants more private sector buy-in to reduce government financial exposure and ensure sustainability.
Only 42% of Abia’s population uses the internet, compared to Singapore’s 97% connectivity rate. He demands a ₦15 billion public-private partnership with firms like MTN and MainOne to deploy 5G towers across LGAs, prioritizing rural zones. Subsidized data plans that will definitely boost digital literacy from 35% to 80% by 2030.
Metric: He has a meeting two weeks ago with experts on how to Achieve 85% internet penetration and connect 300,000 SMEs to e-commerce platforms.
Strategic Pillar 4: Governance & Anti-Corruption
Action: Governor Otti wants to adopt blockchain for transparent governance.
Corruption costs Nigeria ₦2.9 trillion yearly (NEITI, 2023). Implementing blockchain systems for contract awards and payroll can save Abia billions annually. He has directed his aides to craft a Youth Accountability Council, modeled after Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, should audit projects quarterly.
Metric: For months unending Otti has been harping on improving Abia’s Ease of Doing Business ranking from 24th to top 5 in Nigeria by 2027.
Sector-Specific Opportunities
Tech: Plans have been concluded on creating and expanding an Aba Digital Village attracting $2 billion in FDI (2029), He plans to have Abia replicate this by offering tax holidays for startups in AI and fintech.
Agritech: Governor Otti has acknowledged that Abia’s 1.2 million hectares of arable land can fuel youth-led agribusiness. Investing ₦5 billion in mechanized farming cooperatives will increase palm oil exports by 300%, rivaling Malaysia’s $10 billion palm industry.
Creative Arts: Nigeria’s film industry (Nollywood) contributes 2.3% to GDP. He has concluded plans to have an organized Private Sector consortium to building studios in Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia that will create 50,000 jobs, tapping into the global $2.5 trillion creative economy.
Conclusion: The 2030 Vision
To rival Singapore, Governor Otti has adopted a 10-year masterplan with quarterly reviews. Public-private partnerships with firms like Innoson Motors (₦30 billion EV project) and Google Nigeria (digital skills for 100,000 youths) to accelerate progress. He wants to spotlight trailblazers, while exchanging programs with Singaporean universities foster knowledge transfer.
The final benchmarks for youth development are ambitious and multifaceted. Firstly, Otti’s goal is to reduce youth unemployment to 9%, which is still higher than Singapore’s impressive 4.8% rate. Currently, the global youth unemployment rate stands at 13%, affecting almost 65 million young people worldwide. Otti’s benchmark aims to significantly decrease this number.
Another critical aspect is to grow youth-led SME contributions to GDP from 12% to 40%. This objective recognizes the potential of young entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and innovation. By supporting and empowering youth-led SMEs, the economy can benefit from their creativity, energy, and fresh perspectives.
Lastly, Dr Otti believes that achieving 90% digital literacy is crucial for unlocking ₦8 trillion in digital economy potential. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s essential to ensure that young people have the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy. This benchmark will help bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for economic growth and development.
“Abia’s youth are its greatest asset. With data-driven policies and relentless execution, this blueprint can position the state as Africa’s innovation lighthouse.” Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
