POLITICS
Gov. Alex Otti Backs $13.1 Million CNG Mother Station Project to Accelerate Abia’s Industrial Growth
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Ale Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure and driving industrial development by expressing support for a proposed $13.1 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project to be sited in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while receiving a delegation of automobile and energy investors led by Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank, who visited, to present the investment proposal and explore areas of collaboration with the state government.
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The Governor explained that the proposed project, which involves the establishment of a 14.13 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD) CNG Mother Station in Owaza, aligns with his administration’s industrialisation agenda and would significantly enhance clean energy development while supporting manufacturing activities across the state.
According to him, Owaza remains the ideal location for such a strategic investment because of its proven commercial gas reserves and the ongoing exploration and production activities being undertaken by various oil companies in the area.
Governor Otti also highlighted the strategic importance of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), where several manufacturers have already commenced development operations, describing it as a suitable destination for investors seeking to establish industrial ventures.
He assured the delegation that the Abia State Government would facilitate discussions on the company’s request for hectares of land within the AIIP and work closely with the investors to actualise the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The Governor further used the occasion to announce another milestone in the state’s transportation sector, revealing that Abia has taken delivery of 20 additional electric buses, while an extra 30 buses are expected to arrive before September 2026, further strengthening the government’s drive towards cleaner and more efficient public transportation.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, automobile investor Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank said he represented partners and companies committed to introducing affordable and high-quality automobiles into the Nigerian market.
He stressed the need for a strategic partnership between the Abia State Government and the investors to develop a modern transportation ecosystem through a Public-Private Partnership, noting that such collaboration would deliver long-term economic and social benefits.
Also speaking, the Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, disclosed that the company, in collaboration with its partners, is developing the proposed 14.13 MMSCFD CNG Mother Station in Owaza.
He explained that the facility is designed to power Abia’s industrial and transportation sectors while positioning the state as a major CNG hub for the South-East region.
Kalu revealed that the project is valued at $13.1 million, adding that Abia was selected because of the abundant natural gas deposits available in Owaza.
He noted that beyond providing cleaner energy, the project would generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, improve air quality, reduce energy costs for industries and businesses, and further accelerate Abia’s industrial and economic transformation.
“We are here to see how we can align with what you are doing. Our intention is to build and ensure that people who live in Abia will gain from it,“ Kalu stated.
He further explained that the abundant natural gas resources in Owaza make Abia an ideal investment destination, stressing the growing importance of alternative energy solutions in Nigeria.
According to him, the successful implementation of the project would require government support in key areas, including a Public-Private Partnership framework, land allocation, improved infrastructure, and adequate security.
The meeting was attended by members of the Abia State Executive Council alongside technical partners, underscoring the government’s commitment to attracting strategic investments capable of driving sustainable industrialisation, energy security, and econ
omic growth across the state.
