Otti Backs $13.1m CNG Project to Power Abia’s Industrial Growth

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed support for the proposed $13.1 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project to be established in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
He said Governor Otti gave his endorsement while receiving a delegation of automobile and energy investors led by Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank on Thursday.
According to Ukoha, the Governor noted that the project, which involves the establishment of a 14.13 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD) CNG Mother Station in Owaza, aligns with the state’s industrialisation agenda. He said the facility would promote clean energy development, strengthen the manufacturing sector, and enhance Abia’s industrial capacity.
The Chief Press Secretary further stated that Governor Otti described Owaza as an ideal location for the project, citing its proven commercial gas reserves and the ongoing exploration and production activities of various oil and gas companies operating in the area.
He added that the Governor identified the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) as a suitable location for the investment, noting that several manufacturing companies have already commenced development activities within the industrial park.
Governor Otti also assured the investors that the state government would facilitate discussions on their request for hectares of land within the AIIP and work closely with them on the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Speaking further, Governor Otti announced that the state had taken delivery of an additional 20 electric buses as part of its transportation reform programme.
He disclosed that another 30 electric buses are expected to arrive in the state by September 2026, further expanding the government’s clean transportation initiative.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and automobile investor, Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank, said he represented a consortium of partners and companies committed to driving development through the introduction of affordable, high-quality automobiles.
He called for collaboration between the Abia State Government and the investors to develop the state’s transportation ecosystem through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), stressing that such cooperation would accelerate economic development and improve mobility.
Also speaking, the Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, said the company, in collaboration with its partners, is developing the 14.13 MMSCFD CNG Mother Station in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
He explained that the facility is designed to supply cleaner energy to Abia’s industrial and transportation sectors while positioning the state as a regional CNG distribution hub for the South-East.
Mr. Kalu disclosed that the project is valued at $13.1 million, adding that Abia was selected because of the abundant natural gas reserves available in Owaza. He said the investment would generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, improve air quality, reduce energy costs for industries and transport operators, and accelerate the state’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 the people of Abia benefit from this investment,” Kalu said.
He further explained that Owaza’s vast natural gas resources make Abia an attractive destination for energy investments.
He stressed the growing need for alternative energy sources in Nigeria and identified key areas where government support would be required, including land allocation, infrastructure development, security, and a favourable Public-Private Partnership framework.
Some members of the Abia State Executive Council, alongside technical partners, were present at the meeting.