Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that the state is open to a robust partnership with the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to advance major infrastructural and economic development projects across Abia.
Governor Otti disclosed on Wednesday, November 5, during a meeting with a delegation from the Chinese multinational construction company led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jason Wang, at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor noted that Abia State is particularly interested in collaborating with the company in critical sectors such as infrastructure, erosion control, dredging, rail transportation, and seaport development areas that align with CHEC’s global expertise.
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“There are a lot of areas we can collaborate. Like I always say, the devil is in the details. We can sit down and begin to look at them,” Governor Otti said. “We believe that governance should be about people and their welfare, and that aligns with your own vision as a government-owned company. Both Abia State and China Harbour will benefit from a partnership founded on honesty, truth, and transparency, and those are the values we stand for as a government.”
Governor Otti revealed that the State Government is currently finalizing the feasibility study for the Azumiri Seaport project, adding that discussions are ongoing to involve CHEC in its development. He also highlighted the Abia Railway Project as a key component of his administration’s economic strategy, noting that the Akwa Ibom State Government has shown interest in partnering with Abia to establish a rail link between both states to enhance trade and cultural ties.
“The last time I discussed with my colleague in Akwa Ibom, he also indicated intention to link Akwa Ibom with Abia because of the trading and cultural affinity,” the Governor stated. “So, maybe it’s something you may want to look at. There’s already a design, but you can review and improve it as we explore funding options.”
Governor Otti also invited the company to participate in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) project at Owaza and explore the revival of moribund industries across the state. He acknowledged CHEC’s earlier expression of interest in some of these projects, describing it as a positive step toward sustainable industrial growth.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Jason Wang, Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company (Nigeria) Limited, said the purpose of the visit was to establish a strategic development partnership with the Abia State Government. He outlined the company’s expertise in roads, bridges, drainage systems, erosion control, flyovers, dredging, land reclamation, railways, airports, and seaports, citing ongoing projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Abuja–Keffi Expressway expansion, and the Enugu–Otukpo–Makurdi road as examples of CHEC’s capacity.
Wang commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and the remarkable infrastructural transformation taking place in Abia under his administration, pledging the company’s readiness to support the state’s growth agenda.
The meeting was attended by key members of the Abia Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara; the Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Mineral Development, Prof. Joel Ogbonna; and the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, among others.
