ABIA OPEN TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, GOV. OTTI TELLS CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s openness to strategic partnerships with reputable global firms, including the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, in key sectors of the state’s development.

Governor Otti made this known on Wednesday, November 5, during a meeting with a delegation from the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jason Wang, at the Government House, Umuahia.

The Governor said the state was willing to explore collaborations in infrastructure development, erosion control, dredging, rail transportation, and seaport construction, areas where the company has demonstrated global expertise.

“There are several areas where we can collaborate. Like I always say, the devil is in the details, so we can sit down to work through them carefully,” Governor Otti stated.

“We believe that governance should be about improving the welfare of the people, and I believe that aligns with your vision as well, especially since you are a government-owned company.

“Both the Abia State Government and China Harbour can benefit from a partnership built on honesty, truth, and transparency, and those are the core values of this administration,” he added.

Governor Otti disclosed that his administration is concluding feasibility studies for the Azumiri Seaport project and expressed interest in partnering the company to bring the project to life. He also highlighted the Abia Railway Project as a major driver of economic growth for the state.

The Governor revealed ongoing discussions with the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish a rail link between the two states to boost trade and cultural exchange.

“The Governor of Akwa Ibom and I have discussed linking both states through a rail line because of our strong trading and cultural ties,” Otti said. “It’s a project worth your consideration. You may review the existing design, make your own recommendations, and we can jointly explore funding options.”

He further invited China Harbour to participate in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) project at Owaza and expressed interest in collaborating with the company to revive several moribund industries across the state.

Earlier, the Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Jason Wang, explained that the visit was aimed at deepening discussions with the Abia State Government on potential infrastructure projects and establishing a long-term partnership for the state’s development.

He noted that the company specialises in designing and executing large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, erosion control systems, flyovers, dredging, land reclamation, railways, airports, and seaports.

Mr. Wang commended Governor Otti for his visible achievements in various sectors, particularly in road infrastructure, noting that China Harbour is currently handling major projects across Nigeria, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Abuja–Keffi Expressway expansion, and the Enugu–Otukpo–Makurdi road.

Also present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara; the Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals Development, Prof. Joel Ogbonna; and the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, among other top officials.