Governor Otti gives green light to assessment of viability for planned Abia port project

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has given the green light for a feasibility study to begin on the proposed Azumini–Obeaku seaport and inland waterways corridor project, following a meeting with a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited at the Government House in Umuahia on Tuesday.

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The meeting, led by Nicolas Liu, resulted in Otti directing the company to expedite the study, rejecting the initial six to seven month timeline in favor of a quicker completion.

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Otti emphasized the importance of understanding the project's details, stating that while approval had been granted, the lengthy timeline was a concern that needed to be addressed to move the project forward more swiftly.

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The governor instructed the company to initiate processes for regulatory approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Presidency concurrently with the feasibility study.

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Otti noted that the project's viability was contingent upon the outcome of the feasibility study, highlighting the need to start the regulatory approval process immediately in anticipation of a positive result.

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The proposed site's location, approximately 19 nautical miles from the high sea, was identified by Otti as a critical factor that could impact the project's cost and viability due to dredging requirements.

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Otti acknowledged that while he was not a technical expert, he had a clear understanding of his objectives and recognized the potential implications of the project's location on its overall feasibility.

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Earlier in the meeting, Nicolas Liu expressed the company's interest in partnering with the Abia State Government to develop the seaport project, citing their extensive experience in infrastructure development in Nigeria, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

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Liu outlined key factors crucial to the project's success, including government commitment, funding structure, public-private partnership arrangements, and phased development.

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The meeting was attended by several high-ranking government officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer, Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, and other members of the state executive council.