Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini–Obeaku seaport and inland waterways corridor project.
Otti gave the approval on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, led by Nicolas Liu, at the Government House in Umuahia.
The governor directed the company to complete the study within the shortest possible time, rejecting the initial timeline of six to seven months.
“Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. It is good to understand the details and all what is required.
“So, I think you can take it that approval has been given for the feasibility study to commence.
“But then, you still need to come back, how do you say, six to seven months? That’s a long time. And if we can shorten it, that will help,” Otti stated.
He also directed that processes for regulatory approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Presidency should begin alongside the study.
“We need to start the process immediately. Hoping that the feasibility study will return positive. Because you may also conduct the feasibility study and say that it is not viable,” he said.
Otti noted that the proposed site is about 19 nautical miles from the high sea, stressing that dredging requirements could significantly affect the project’s cost and viability.
“Of course. I do know that where we are talking about is about 19 nautical miles from the High Sea. That’s the impression I got.
“Maybe, when you visit, you can come up with the specifics. So, if it is about 19 nautical miles, the question of viability will now come to play. Because what it requires will now be dredging.
“And dredging increases the cost. So then, I’m not a technical person, but at least, I have an idea of what I want to achieve,” Otti added.
Earlier, Liu said the firm was seeking to partner with the Abia State Government to develop the seaport project.
He noted that the company had extensive experience in infrastructure development in Nigeria, including its involvement in the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.
Liu identified government commitment, funding structure, public-private partnership arrangements, and phased development as key factors for the success of such projects.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer, Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, and other members of the state executive council.
