Gov. Otti Approves Feasibility Study for Proposed Azumini Sea Port Project

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has approved the immediate commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini Obeaku Sea Port and Inland Waterways Corridor project in the state.

Otti granted the approval on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company led by Nicolas Liu at the Government House.

The governor directed the company to begin the feasibility study within the shortest possible time instead of the proposed six-month timeline.

“Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. It is good to understand the details and all that 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 said.

The governor also directed that the process of securing approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Ministry of Blue Economy, and the Presidency should begin immediately, while the feasibility study is ongoing.

“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 added.

Otti noted that the company should inspect the proposed site before the study begins, revealing that the location is believed to be about 19 nautical miles from the high sea.

He explained that the viability of the project would depend largely on the level of dredging required, as dredging could significantly increase project costs.

“Of course, I do know that why 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 into play. Because what it requires will now be dredging,” the governor stated.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Nicolas Liu, said the company was seeking a partnership with the Abia State Government to actualise the proposed seaport project.

According to him, the company has extensive experience in Nigerian infrastructure projects, including work on the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which he described as its flagship project in Nigeria.

Liu identified government commitment, funding arrangements, public-private partnership structure, and phased development as critical factors for the success of such projects.

He stressed the importance of carrying out a feasibility study before the commencement of the project and made additional recommendations to the state government.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer of the Government, Chinenye Mba Uzọkwọ, Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, alongside other commissioners and senior government officials.