NEWS
“Just Watch Us and See What Will Happen in the Next 14 Days“ — Governor Alex Otti Says, Assures Federal Development Partners of Swift Action on Strategic Projects
…as He Strengthens Abia’s Development Agenda, Seals Strategic Partnerships with Federal Agencies to Drive Investment, Renewable Energy and Green Mobility
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with key Federal Government agencies to unlock greater investment opportunities, expand renewable energy infrastructure, strengthen green transportation and improve the ease of doing business across Abia State.
The Governor gave the assurance on Thursday, August 6, 2026, when he received high-powered delegations from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria, and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) at the Government House, Umuahia.
The strategic engagement highlighted the growing confidence of Federal Government institutions in the transformative leadership of Governor Alex Otti and focused on accelerating economic development through stronger collaboration in infrastructure financing, rural electrification, clean energy and sustainable mobility.
Welcoming the delegations led by their respective Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers, Governor Otti expressed appreciation for their presentations and assured them that the Abia State Government would provide the necessary cooperation to ensure that every proposed partnership translates into tangible benefits for the people of the State.
Speaking on the partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Governor thanked the agency’s Managing Director, Dr. Armstrong Takang, for returning to Abia barely two weeks after their previous engagement. He described the renewed visit as a demonstration of confidence in the State’s reform agenda and pledged his administration’s full support towards ensuring Abia maximises every opportunity available through MOFI.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, disclosed that an existing Memorandum of Understanding already exists between MOFI and the Abia State Government. He explained that the agreement now needs to be fully operationalised and executed, expressing optimism that significant progress would be recorded within a few weeks as MOFI remains committed to delivering on its partnership with Abia.
Reacting to the presentation by the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Governor Otti lamented the slow pace of progress despite the enormous opportunities available to the State in renewable energy development. He stressed that Abia possesses all the necessary ingredients to become a major player in the renewable energy space and assured the delegation that immediate steps would be taken to reverse the situation.
“Just watch us and see what will happen in the next 14 days. And it’s very interesting to watch this presentation.
“So, I would like to have another session with you, because some of the information, the data you captured here, are data that I need to work with.
“So, I would like us to just sit down. But you can be sure that you will hear from us within the next 14 days. And I think the lowest hanging fruit is this one that you have, like 10 States,“ Governor Otti stated.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Abba Aliyu, revealed that the agency has mapped the entire country with comprehensive data identifying communities requiring rural electrification.
He further disclosed that the agency is currently deploying 1,000 mini-grids across states nationwide. While noting that an MoU had already been signed with the Abia State Government last year, he observed that implementation had not progressed as expected but assured Governor Otti of the agency’s readiness to support the State once concrete steps are taken.
On the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), Governor Otti assured the delegation that land would be made available for the proposed green mobility plant and disclosed that his administration would appoint a State Focal Person to coordinate engagements with the initiative.
“We also need to engage further. My mind is telling me that land should be around Aba. For the simple reason that there’s a lot of traffic. it has to be strategically located. Actually on the road.
“So, I can assure you that we will engage with you further on this,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor noted that the electric buses introduced by the Abia State Government have continued to perform efficiently and have significantly advanced the State’s green energy agenda. He added that while electric vehicles remain a major component of the transport revolution, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) provides another practical and environmentally friendly option for owners of conventional vehicles through conversion to CNG-powered systems.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, commended Governor Otti for the remarkable strides being recorded in Abia’s transport sector and sustainable mobility initiatives.
He disclosed that the initiative intends to partner with the State Government to position Abia as the CNG hub of the South-East through the establishment of a clean mobility plant.
According to him, PI-CNG & EV is already collaborating with MOFI on several investment initiatives in the State and plans to establish a Clean Mobility Investment Forum with Abia playing a leading role.
Barr. Ahmed requested the allocation of land within a strategic traffic corridor for the proposed green mobility facility and appealed to the Governor to nominate a State Focal Person to ensure seamless coordination between the initiative and the State Government.
The meeting further reinforced Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships with Federal Government institutions to accelerate industrialisation, expand access to renewable energy, promote clean transportation, attract investments and consolidate Abia’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing destinations for sustainable economic development.
Present at the meeting were the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole; the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Abia State Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Arc. Uche Ukeje; the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotions Office, Sir Chinedu Chijioke, 
alongside other senior government officials.