Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed support for a proposed $13.1m Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project to be established at Owaza, Ukwa West LGA.
Governor Otti disclosed this on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while receiving a delegation of automobile and energy investors led by Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank.
The Governor noted that the project, which involves the establishment of a 14.13 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD) CNG Mother Station at Owaza, aligns with the State’s industrialisation agenda. Gov. Otti said it would strengthen clean energy development and boost manufacturing.
The State Chief Executive described Owaza as an ideal location for the project, citing its proven commercial gas reserves and ongoing exploration and production activities by different oil companies.
Governor Otti further stated that the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, AIIP, where several manufacturers have already commenced development operations, provides a suitable location for the investment.
He assured that the government would facilitate discussions on the company’s request for hectares of land within the AIIP, and would work with the investors on the proposed Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement.
The State Chief Executive used the opportunity to announce that the State has taken delivery of another 20 electric buses. He assured that an additional 30 buses would arrive in the State by September 2026.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and an automobile investor, Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank, said he represents partners and companies with ideas for development who are interested in bringing in cheaper and better automobiles.
He expressed the need for the Abia State Government to collaborate with the investors to develop the transportation ecosystem through a Public-Private Partnership.
Also speaking, the Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, said the company is collaborating with partners to develop the 14.13 MMSCFD CNG Mother Station in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA.
He explained that the facility is intended to power Abia’s industrial and transport sectors and position the State as a hub station for the South East.
Mr. Kalu disclosed that the project is valued at $13.1 million. He noted that Abia was chosen because of the availability of gas in Owaza. He added that the project would create direct and indirect jobs, improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and accelerate Abia’s industrial and economic growth.
“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 explained that the abundant natural gas resources in Owaza make Abia an ideal investment destination.
He stressed on the need for alternative energy in Nigeria and listed the areas of support required from the government to include Public-Private Partnership, infrastructural access, land, and security.
(The Whistler)