Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) in key infrastructure and development projects aimed at accelerating the state’s economic growth.
Governor Otti made this known on Wednesday, November 5, during a meeting with a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jason Wang, at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor said his administration is open to collaboration in areas that align with the company’s expertise, including infrastructure development, erosion control, dredging, rail transportation, and seaport construction.
“There are a lot of areas we can collaborate. Like I always say, the devil is in the details. We can sit down and begin to look at them. Governance should be about people and their welfare, and I believe that aligns with your vision too, being a government-owned company,” Governor Otti said.
He emphasized that any partnership between Abia State and China Harbour must be founded on honesty, truth, and transparency, values which he said define his administration.
Governor Otti disclosed that discussions are ongoing on the Azumiri Seaport Project, for which feasibility studies are near completion. He added that the state is also exploring opportunities in the Abia Railway Project, as well as major construction initiatives that would enhance transportation and trade within the state and beyond.
He noted that the Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed interest in partnering with Abia to establish a rail link between the two states to strengthen trade and cultural exchange.
“The last time I discussed with my colleague in Akwa Ibom, he also indicated intention to link Akwa Ibom with Abia because of the trading and cultural affinity. Maybe it’s something you may want to look at. There’s already a design, but you can review and improve on it. We can also discuss funding models,” he added.
The Governor also invited China Harbour to participate in the ongoing Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) at Owaza, as well as in the revival of moribund industries in the state. He acknowledged the company’s earlier interest in these sectors and assured them of the government’s commitment to facilitating their involvement.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Jason Wang, Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company (Nigeria) Limited, said the visit was aimed at exploring high-level discussions on potential infrastructure collaborations and establishing a strategic partnership for Abia’s development.
He explained that CHEC specializes in the design and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, drainage and erosion control systems, flyovers, dredging, land reclamation, railways, airports, and seaports.
Wang commended Governor Otti for his impressive performance in road infrastructure and urban renewal since assuming office, noting that CHEC was currently handling projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Abuja–Keffi Expressway expansion, and the Enugu–Otukpo–Makurdi Road.
Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Mineral Development, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, and Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, among other top officials.
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration welcomes partnerships that drive economic transformation and create sustainable development for the people of Abia.