Governor Otti Orders Accelerated Development at AIIP, Reveals Major Steel Plant Relocating to Abia

Governor Alex Otti, of Abia State has directed the new management of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), Owaza, to accelerate work on the project, revealing that a steel plant operating in another state is being relocated to the facility despite the huge cost implication.

Otti said the development demonstrated investors’ confidence in the industrial park, which his administration is positioning as a major hub for industrial production, commerce and innovation in Abia State.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday when he received his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and members of the State Executive Council, who briefed him on their inspection of the project site in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.

The delegation was accompanied by the newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Ms. Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon.

The team had earlier visited the facility to formally introduce the new managing director to the host community and facility managers, assess the existing infrastructure and identify critical upgrades required to attract investors.

Speaking during the meeting, Otti expressed confidence in the project’s prospects, stressing that the priority was to accelerate its implementation and recover time lost since the groundbreaking.

“The issue is not whether that place will be successful. It is about how quickly you can achieve that,” the governor stated.

He disclosed that feasibility studies for the park had been completed, noting that the combination of industrial production, innovation and commercial activities would make it a strategic driver of economic growth, employment generation and investment in the state.

Otti assured the new management of his administration’s full support, including the provision of resources required to commence operations.

He also acknowledged the need to secure the project site with perimeter fencing and directed the Commissioner for Works to assess and commence work on a shorter access road linking the expressway to the park.

The governor congratulated Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, maintaining that appointments under his administration were merit-based and that the recruitment process for the park’s leadership was designed to identify competent and qualified candidates.

Earlier, Ajagba said the inspection was aimed at evaluating the facility and determining the infrastructure requirements necessary to meet the expectations of the state government and the international business community.

He reported that the delegation received an enthusiastic reception from the host community, adding that the industrial park was designed to attract companies that would support the industrialisation of Abia State, particularly the Ukwa West corridor.

“With the coming on board of the new MD, we will reinforce this administration’s commitment to building a virile economy for Abia State,” Ajagba said.

Also speaking during the inspection, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Adiele, said the park was envisioned to accommodate several industries.

She described AIIP as an opportunity to establish a national industrial and innovation hub serving Owaza, Abia State and Nigeria, promising to accelerate the pace of work.

“Our goal is to give Ndi Abia a reason to be proud of a world-class industrial and innovation park located in their state,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community, Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, thanked the state government for leading the delegation to the project site and assured the new managing director of the community’s cooperation.

Members of the delegation included the Commissioners for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna; Environment, Hon. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije; and Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday.

Also present was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Kachi Etuluo, among other government officials.

He noted that with the site acquisition process completed and the cooperation of his constituents secured, the government should intensify efforts to implement the project.

Adiele expressed optimism that the facility would improve livelihoods and stimulate development in Ukwa West and neighbouring communities. He also commended the governor for locating the project in the area.

In her remarks, Ivonye-Ntofon thanked Otti for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the industrial park.