Otti Directs Works Commissioner to Assess Alternative Access Road to Abia Industrial Park

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has directed the Commissioner for Works to assess and commence work on an alternative access road to the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Ukwa West Local Government Area as part of efforts to accelerate the development of the facility and improve accessibility.

Governor Otti gave the directive at his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, while receiving a briefing from the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Ms Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, following her familiarisation visit to the industrial park.

The Governor said the government was considering a shorter access route from the expressway to the industrial facility. He directed the Commissioner for Works to assess the proposed route and initiate the necessary steps towards its development.

He explained that the various infrastructure interventions by his administration were aimed at ensuring a smooth take-off for the new management and creating an enabling environment for investors.

Governor Otti also directed the newly appointed Managing Director to identify the resources and infrastructure required to fast-track the project, noting that growing interest from investors had reinforced confidence in its prospects.

The Governor disclosed that investors were relocating an existing steel plant from another state to the park despite the cost implications, adding that the decision demonstrated their confidence in the industrial facility.

He urged the new Chief Executive to engage relevant government officials on the support required to deliver on the project’s mandate.

The Governor further directed that engagements with relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector should continue, including efforts to advance plans for the establishment of a modular refinery.

Congratulating Ms Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, Governor Otti noted that she had earned the position through her performance during the selection process.

He expressed confidence in her professional background and experience, urging her to justify the confidence reposed in her by delivering tangible results.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described the appointment of a new management team for the project as an opportunity to accelerate its development.

He explained that the familiarization tour of the project site was intended to enable the new Managing Director to assess the scale of the task ahead and gain a clearer understanding of the project.

In her remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Ms Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, thanked the Governor for entrusting her with the responsibility and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to realise the project’s objectives.

She noted that the warm reception accorded her by the host community during the facility tour reflected the community’s expectations for the successful delivery of the project.