Otti Explains Delay in Ukwa Seaport Project, Reaffirms Commitment to Road Infrastructure

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has clarified why work is yet to begin on the proposed Ukwa seaport project, emphasizing that his administration will not initiate the project until it is certain of having sufficient funds to ensure its completion.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Ezumezu Ndoki Patriotic Association from Ukwa East Local Government Area, Otti said:

“I was the one who came up with the idea that we needed a seaport. The Chinese team working with us has submitted their feasibility reports.

And clearly, a lot of dredging needs to be done. I think from that report, if I’m not mistaken, we need to dredge about 19.5 kilometres to the high sea. So, that is not consistent with the initial preliminary report that we got. This type of work requires a substantial amount of money.”

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He stressed that the government has returned to the drawing board to ensure the viability and funding of the seaport project before starting.

“We must ensure that it is viable, and before we start, we must confirm that we have the money to fund it so that we don’t start a project and abandon it or delay it midway… We will not start the seaport project until we are very sure that we have the funds to complete it available.”

Governor Otti also addressed concerns raised about road construction projects in Ukwa East, stating that no road project under his administration will be left uncompleted.

He highlighted progress on key roads, including the Akirika-Obu and Obohia roads. He explained that he worked with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to resolve cross-border issues affecting the Akirika-Obu route, which begins in Obingwa and extends into Akwa Ibom.

Regarding Obohia Road, Otti stated:

“Obohia road had a challenge. But we have almost solved it. The previous administration had awarded it to a company called Heartland. The job had been abandoned before we arrived. I engaged in meetings with them, and they promised to return to the site; I believe they are currently on site.”

He added that due to a blocked original tunnel, a new and deeper one is being constructed to redirect water into the Aba River.

Reassuring the delegation, Otti said:

“This government is your government. We are committed to completing every project we start.”

Earlier, the Mayor of Ukwa East, Mr. Chibunna Akara, thanked the Governor for his developmental efforts, noting that many stakeholders in the area are ready to support his administration.

Also speaking, Chief Israel Ahunanya, President of the Ezumezu Ndoki Patriotic Association, praised Otti’s achievements across the state and called on him to entrust the political leadership of Ukwa East to the group ahead of the 2027 elections, assuring him of strong grassroots support.

He urged the Governor to address stalled road projects in Ukwa land and accelerate progress on the seaport project.