The Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti has expressed the readiness of the State Government to partner with the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to accelerate the development of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, the Ukwa west Local Government Area of the State.
According to a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, dated September 6, 2024, the commitment was made on Friday when the Governor received a delegation of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitory Board led by the Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Ogbe who paid him a working visit.
The statement quotes Governor Otti as saying:
“What we have done is to create the enabling environment because we are a private sector-led Government. We know that Government is there to support and grow businesses. That is why we have already acquired the almost 2000 hectares of land. We have already issued the Certificate Occupancy to AIIP, so the land is available”.
“Arrangements have also been concluded and I believe that the Original owners of the land, if they have not received their compensation, will receive it in no distant future because the money has been made available”.
“So, we are very happy to partner with you and you can be sure that we will do everything that is possible to ensure that this project takes off and lands successfully. So, in the next few days, you will receive our written request. But inspite of that, we will continue to do what we have to do to ensure that the project continues to run until you come in to give us a push we require.”
The press statement adds that Engr. Felix Ogbe commended Governor Otti for his efforts to establish an Industrial Park, saying that in some States, they go to establish industrial parks without the efforts of the State Governments but in Abia, the story is peculiar and different as the State Government is the one pushing and making the efforts. He expressed optimism that the Project will succeed.
