Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that the proposed Abia Seaport in Azumini, Ukwa East Local Government Area, is aimed at positioning the state as a gateway economy in the South-East region of Nigeria. The governor also said that when operational, the seaport would provide direct maritime access for Aba’s industrial cluster and the wider South-East region.
Feasibility Study Commences
Otti, while giving an update on the project, revealed that a feasibility study has commenced in partnership with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). According to him, the seaport project, which previous administrations merely talked about without implementation, would significantly reduce cargo costs for manufacturers, decongest Lagos and other seaports, and create a new logistics corridor linking Abia to global trade routes through the Imo/Azumini Blue River.
“The feasibility study will cover technical, economic, environmental and social viability, including dredging requirements, port design, road and rail linkages, and private-sector financing models,” Governor Otti stated.
Strategic Infrastructure for ‘Rebuild Abia’ Agenda
He explained that the proposed seaport is a strategic infrastructure project tied to his administration’s “Rebuild Abia” agenda, with a focus on job creation, export competitiveness and long-term revenue generation. According to the governor, the Azumini Port could become Nigeria’s third major functional port corridor alongside the Onne and Ibom Deep Sea Ports.
He added that the next phase after the feasibility study would determine project timelines, investment structure and required federal approvals.
