Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved the commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini–Obeaku seaport and inland waterways corridor project.

The approval was granted on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company, led by Nicolas Liu, at the Government House in Umuahia.

Governor Otti directed the company to expedite the study, rejecting an initial timeline of six to seven months and urging a shorter completion period. He also instructed that processes for regulatory approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Presidency should commence alongside the feasibility study.

The governor noted that the proposed seaport location is about 19 nautical miles from the high sea, adding that dredging requirements could significantly impact the project’s cost and overall viability. He emphasised the need for a thorough assessment to determine whether the project would be economically feasible.

Earlier, Liu said the firm was seeking a partnership with the Abia State Government to develop the project, citing its experience in major infrastructure developments in Nigeria, including participation in the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He highlighted government commitment, funding structure, public-private partnerships, and phased implementation as critical to the project’s success.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the Governor, Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, and the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu.

Source: Punch