Governor Alex Otti says Abia State will collaborate with China Harbour Engineering Company to develop the Azumiri Seaport and boost regional trade.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has on Wednesday November 5, 2025, announced plans to partner with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) for the development of the Azumiri Seaport, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic growth in southeastern Nigeria.
Speaking during a meeting with a CHEC delegation led by Managing Director Jason Wang at Government House in Umuahia, Otti said the collaboration would also extend to the ongoing Abia railway initiative, with feasibility studies for the seaport already in progress.
The governor described the partnership as a key step toward industrial revival and improved regional trade, emphasizing that his administration values transparency and accountability in all development efforts.
“There are many areas where we can collaborate,” Otti said. “Governance should be about improving the welfare of the people, and that aligns with your company’s vision as a government-owned enterprise. We believe this partnership should be built on honesty, truth, and transparency.”
Otti highlighted the economic potential of linking Abia to neighboring Akwa Ibom State by rail, noting that discussions with Akwa Ibom authorities are underway to establish a joint railway corridor that would enhance commercial and cultural ties between the two states.
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He also invited CHEC to explore investment opportunities in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) located in Owaza, as well as in the rehabilitation of dormant industries across the state. According to the governor, CHEC had previously shown interest in partnering with Abia on some of these projects.
In his remarks, CHEC’s Jason Wang commended Otti’s infrastructure initiatives, particularly road construction and urban renewal projects, describing Abia as a state with immense investment potential.
Wang explained that the company specializes in major civil and marine infrastructure, including seaports, airports, bridges, highways, erosion control, and dredging projects. He noted that CHEC has been involved in several landmark Nigerian projects, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Abuja–Keffi Expressway expansion, and the Enugu–Otukpo–Makurdi highway.
“We are here to discuss high-level collaboration with the Abia State Government to support its infrastructure and economic development agenda,” Wang said.
The meeting was attended by several state officials, including Commissioners for Industry and SMEs, Petroleum and Solid Minerals, and Environment, who expressed optimism that the proposed projects would stimulate industrialization and job creation in Abia State.