Abia State Governor Alex Otti approved the commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini-Obeaku seaport and inland waterways corridor project. He gave the approval on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited at the Government House in Umuahia.
Governor Alex Otti received the delegation led by Nicolas Liu. He directed the company to complete the study in the shortest possible time. Otti rejected the initial six-to-seven-month timeline proposed by the firm.
“Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. It is good to understand the details and all what is required,” Otti stated. “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 is a long time. And if we can shorten it, that will help.”
Governor Alex Otti instructed officials to begin processes for regulatory approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Presidency alongside the study. He expressed hope that the feasibility study would return positive results.
“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,” Otti added.
The proposed site lies about 19 nautical miles from the high sea. Otti noted that extensive dredging requirements could raise costs and affect viability. He urged the team to visit the Obeaku Blue River for preliminary assessments.
Nicolas Liu, marketing manager of China Harbour Engineering Company, presented the firm’s proposed approach. Liu said the company brought extensive experience from projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He identified government commitment, funding structures, and public-private partnerships as critical success factors.
Top Abia State officials, including Principal Secretary Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu and Commissioner for Transport Chimezie Ukaegbu, attended the meeting. The project aims to open Abia and the South-East to direct maritime access and global trade.
