Gov Otti Approves Feasibility Study for Azumini–Obeaku Seaport, Pushes for Shorter Timeline

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

ABIA – Governor Alex Otti has granted approval for the carrying out of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini–Obeaku seaport and inland waterway corridor project in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Otti gave the approval when he received a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), after a presentation made by the company on the proposed approach to the project.

The Governor urged the Company to look for other ways of shortening the proposed timeline for the feasibility study as six to seven months was a long period and expressed the need for the reduction of the feasibility study timeline.

Governor Otti assured that the state government will immediately begin the process of securing regulatory approvals from relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as well as the Presidency.

He also urged the team to undertake an inspection visit to the Obeaku Blue River as part of preliminary assessments.

In his presentation earlier, the Marketing Manager, China Harbour Engineering Company Mr Nicholas Liu described the Azumini–Obeku Seaport Inland Waterway Corridor as a strategic infrastructure project that will open up Abia State and the South-East to direct maritime access and global trade.

Mr Liu while explaining the company’s involvement in major maritime projects across Africa and its role in the development of seaports, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, said that the company has the capacity to deliver end-to-end infrastructure projects.

He gave a rundown of the project development process and expressed the company’s readiness to partner the Abia State Government to advancing the project.