$13.1m CNG Investment: Alex Otti Backs Major Clean Energy Project to Transform Abia into South-East Industrial Hub

Abia State is set to take another significant step toward becoming Nigeria’s emerging industrial powerhouse as Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has thrown his weight behind a proposed $13.1 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project to be located in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.

The proposed project, championed by a consortium of automobile and energy investors, is expected to revolutionize clean energy supply, power industries, create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen Abia’s position as the economic gateway of the South-East.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation of investors led by automobile entrepreneur Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank at Government House, Umuahia.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti described Owaza as the natural choice for such a strategic investment because of its abundant commercial gas deposits and ongoing oil and gas exploration activities.

The Governor explained that the proposed 14.13 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD) CNG Mother Station perfectly aligns with his administration’s vision of industrialisation, clean energy adoption, and sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the availability of gas resources, coupled with the rapid development taking place at the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), makes Abia one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for industrial investment.

He assured the investors that the state government would facilitate discussions regarding their request for land within the AIIP and explore a mutually beneficial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to bring the project to reality.

In another major announcement, Governor Otti revealed that the state has already taken delivery of 20 additional electric buses, while another 30 buses are expected to arrive before September 2026.

The move further reinforces the administration’s commitment to cleaner transportation, reduced carbon emissions, and affordable public transport for residents.

Leader of the investor delegation, Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank, said his team represents automobile manufacturers and development partners interested in introducing affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles into Nigeria.

He expressed confidence in Governor Otti’s industrial vision and called for strong collaboration with the Abia State Government to develop a modern transportation ecosystem through a Public-Private Partnership.

Providing further insight into the investment, Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, disclosed that the proposed CNG Mother Station will cost approximately $13.1 million.

According to him, the facility is designed to serve both the industrial and transportation sectors while positioning Abia as the primary gas distribution hub for the South-East region.

Kalu explained that Owaza was selected because of its vast natural gas reserves, adding that the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, lower industrial energy costs, improve air quality, and stimulate economic growth across the state.

“We are here to align with the vision of the Governor. Our intention is to build an investment that will ensure the people of Abia directly benefit from this project,” he said.

He further noted that Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and alternative energy makes the project timely and strategic, while appealing for government support in areas such as land acquisition, infrastructure, security, and the proposed PPP arrangement.

The proposed CNG project adds to the growing list of major investments being attracted into Abia under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

From the rapid development of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, expansion of clean transportation through electric buses, and renewed investor confidence, the state continues to position itself as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing destinations for manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure development.

If successfully implemented, the Owaza CNG Mother Station is expected to become a catalyst for industrial expansion, cleaner transportation, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity—not only for Abia State but for the entire South-East region.