Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Abia State has taken a major step toward establishing a new maritime trade corridor in Nigeria, with Governor Alex Otti commencing a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini Seaport in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC.
The project, which is expected to position Abia as a gateway economy in the South-East, is designed to provide direct maritime access to Aba’s industrial and manufacturing cluster while opening new trade routes for businesses across the region.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the feasibility study marks the first phase of the ambitious infrastructure project that could significantly reshape logistics, trade, and industrial activities in the South-East.
The statement noted that the proposed Azumini seaport would create a new maritime gateway capable of reducing cargo transportation costs for manufacturers, easing pressure on existing ports, and enhancing Nigeria’s export competitiveness.
“Governor Alex Otti has commenced the process for a feasibility study on the proposed Abia State Seaport at Azumini, in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC,” the statement said.
It added that, “The Azumini Seaport project will be designed to position Abia as a gateway economy in the South-East, opening direct maritime access for Aba’s industrial cluster and the wider region.”
The state government believes the project could transform regional trade flows by providing an alternative cargo route outside the traditional Lagos port system.
“If delivered, it would cut cargo costs for manufacturers, decongest Lagos ports, and create a new logistics corridor linking Abia to global trade routes through the Imo/Azumini Blue River,” the statement added.
Details of the study indicate that it will assess the technical, economic, environmental, and social viability of the proposed port development.
According to the government, the feasibility exercise will evaluate critical infrastructure requirements, including dredging needs, port engineering design, road and rail connectivity, as well as sustainable financing options involving private sector participation.
“The feasibility study will cover technical, economic, environmental, and social viability, including dredging requirements, port design, road and rail linkages, and private-sector financing models,” the statement noted.
Governor Otti’s administration views the project as a key component of its economic transformation agenda aimed at boosting industrial growth, attracting investment, and expanding employment opportunities across the state.
“For Abia, this is strategic infrastructure: it ties Gov. Otti’s ‘Rebuild Abia’ agenda to job creation, export competitiveness, and long-term revenue,” the statement said.
Beyond its state-level impact, the proposed port is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure by creating an additional port corridor to complement existing and planned facilities.
The statement noted that, “For Nigeria, an Azumini port means a third functional port corridor alongside Onne and Ibom Deep Sea Port.”
The government explained that the outcome of the feasibility study will guide subsequent decisions on project timelines, investment structure, regulatory requirements, and federal approvals needed for implementation.
“Next steps after the study will determine timelines, investment structure, and federal approvals,” the statement added.
If successfully developed, the Azumini Seaport could emerge as one of the most significant transport and logistics infrastructure projects in the South-East, with the potential to unlock new trade opportunities and accelerate industrial expansion in the region.
