Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) in key infrastructural areas, including erosion control, dredging, rail transportation, seaport development, and industrial revitalization.
Governor Otti made this known during a meeting with a delegation from CHEC, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jason Wang, at the Government House in Umuahia. He stated that the partnership would focus on the Azumiri Seaport project—currently undergoing feasibility studies—and the Abia–Maiduguri railway project.
According to the governor, the proposed partnership would be built on transparency and mutual benefit. He emphasized that his administration’s development philosophy centers on improving citizens’ welfare through sustainable economic growth.
Otti also revealed that the Akwa Ibom State Government had shown interest in connecting its railway system with Abia’s to strengthen trade and cultural ties between the two states. Additionally, he invited the Chinese firm to participate in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park project at Owaza and in the rehabilitation of non-functional industries across the state.
In his remarks, CHEC Managing Director Mr. Wang said the company was engaging in high-level talks with the Abia Government to explore large-scale infrastructure projects. He commended Governor Otti’s achievements in road infrastructure and confirmed that the firm was currently executing several major national projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Abuja–Keffi Expressway expansion.
Top government officials, including the Commissioners for Industry and SMEs, Petroleum and Mineral Development, and Environment, as well as the Governor’s Principal Secretary, were present at the meeting.
