Governor Alex Otti has approved an immediate feasibility study for the proposed Azumini-Obeaku Sea Port and Inland Waterways Corridor project, describing it as a major step toward transforming Abia State into a key maritime and economic hub.
The Governor disclosed this while receiving a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited led by Mr. Nicolas Liu during a strategic meeting on the proposed project.
Speaking during the engagement, Governor Otti said the state government was determined to accelerate the development process and ensure that the proposed sea port project becomes a reality within the shortest possible time.
According to him, although the company proposed a six to seven-month timeline for the feasibility study, he directed that the process be shortened to fast-track implementation and attract early investment opportunities.
The Governor further revealed that the state government would immediately commence the process of securing the necessary approvals from the Presidency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to facilitate the project.
He also encouraged the Chinese engineering team to conduct an on-site assessment of the proposed location to determine its technical and commercial viability, particularly considering its proximity to the high sea and the dredging requirements needed for maritime operations.
Governor Otti expressed optimism that the Azumini-Obeaku Sea Port and Inland Waterways Corridor project would significantly boost the economy of Abia State, create employment opportunities, improve trade and logistics, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He stressed that with adequate funding, strong political will, and strategic partnerships, the ambitious project could become one of the landmark infrastructure developments in the South-East region.
The Governor thanked the delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited for their presentation and expressed confidence that the feasibility study would produce positive outcomes capable of driving the project forward.
