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.
