FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed the State Government’s readiness to partner with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) in key infrastructure sectors, including erosion control, dredging, rail transportation, and seaport development.
Governor Otti made this known when he received a delegation from the company led by its Managing Director, Mr. Jason Wang, at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor described the meeting as a strategic step toward advancing Abia’s development agenda and reaffirmed his administration’s openness to credible partnerships that promote economic growth and sustainability.
“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 stated.
“We believe that governance should be about people and their welfare, and I believe that aligns with your own vision too, being that you are also 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 Abia is open to partnering CHEC in the development of the Azumiri Seaport, whose feasibility study is nearing completion, as well as the Abia railway project and other major construction initiatives.
He disclosed ongoing discussions with the Akwa Ibom State Government to jointly develop a rail link between the two states, which would enhance trade and cultural exchange.
“My colleague in Akwa Ibom has indicated interest in linking both states by rail to strengthen trade and cultural affinity. You may want to take a look at the design, improve it, and we can explore funding options together,” he added.
Governor Otti further invited the company to participate in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) project at Owaza, and expressed optimism about CHEC’s potential involvement in reviving moribund industries across the State.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Jason Wang, Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company (Nigeria) Limited, said the visit was aimed at engaging in high-level discussions on potential infrastructure projects and establishing a strategic partnership for Abia’s development.
He highlighted CHEC’s expertise in the design and execution of large-scale projects, including roads, bridges, erosion control systems, dredging, land reclamation, railways, airports, and seaports, and commended the Otti administration for its “giant strides” in infrastructure renewal.
Mr. Wang noted that CHEC is currently executing several landmark projects in Nigeria, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Abuja–Keffi Expressway expansion, and the Enugu–Otukpo–Makurdi Road, among others.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals Development, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, and the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, among other top government officials.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
November 7,2025.
