Abia Approves Feasibility Study for Azumini-Obeaku Seaport, Inland Waterways Project

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the immediate commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport and Inland Waterways Corridor project in the state.

The study will be carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, following a meeting between the state government and officials of the company at the Governor’s Office.

Governor Otti directed the company to begin the feasibility study without delay, instead of waiting for the six-month timeline earlier 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 that is required. So, I think you can take it that approval has been given for the feasibility study to commence immediately,” the governor stated.

He, however, instructed that while the feasibility study is ongoing, steps should also be taken to secure the necessary approvals from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Presidency.

The governor further advised the company to inspect the proposed site before the commencement of the study.

“Of course, I understand that the location we are discussing is about 19 nautical miles from the high sea. That is the impression I got.

“Maybe when you visit, you can provide more specifics. If it is about 19 nautical miles, the question of viability will come into play because it may require dredging, and dredging increases the cost,” Otti added.

He thanked the delegation for the presentation and expressed optimism that the project would be realised if properly pursued.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Nicolas Liu, said the company was seeking partnership with the Abia State Government to actualise the proposed seaport project.

Liu noted that the company had extensive experience in Nigerian infrastructure projects, including roads and major maritime developments such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which he described as the firm’s flagship project in Nigeria.

According to him, four critical factors determine the success of such projects: government commitment, funding arrangements, public-private partnership structure, and phased development.

He stressed the importance of conducting a feasibility study to pave the way for the commencement of the project and also made several recommendations to the governor on the implementation process.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer of the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; and other commissioners and senior government officials.