MOFI,REA,PI-CNG & EV to Partner Abia State on Infrastructure, Renewable Energy

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria, and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) have expressed their commitment to partnering with the Abia State Government to accelerate infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and green mobility initiatives across the state.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Thursday received senior officials from the three Federal Government agencies at the Government House, Umuahia, where they held a strategic meeting with members of the state government to explore areas of collaboration aimed at improving the state’s business environment and driving sustainable economic development.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and published on his official Facebook page, the meeting focused on strengthening existing partnerships and establishing new frameworks for investment and development.
Receiving the delegations, Governor Otti commended the agencies for their presentations and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with them to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Partnership with MOFI

Speaking on the proposed collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Governor Otti thanked the Managing Director, Dr. Armstrong Takang, for his sustained interest in partnering with Abia State.
He particularly appreciated Dr. Takang for returning to the state barely two weeks after their previous engagement, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine commitment.
The Governor assured the MOFI delegation of his administration’s full cooperation in operationalising their partnership to ensure that the state maximises all available opportunities and benefits through the agency.

Earlier, Dr. Armstrong Takang disclosed that an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) already exists between MOFI and the Abia State Government.
He stressed the need to operationalise and implement the agreement without further delay, expressing optimism that tangible results would begin to emerge within the next few weeks.
He reiterated MOFI’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the partnership and supporting the state’s development objectives.

Governor Otti Promises Action on Rural Electrification

Addressing the presentation by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Governor Otti described it as unfortunate that Abia State had not made the expected level of progress despite possessing enormous potential for renewable energy development.
He acknowledged the importance of the data presented by the agency and assured the delegation that his administration would take decisive action within the next 14 days.
“Just watch us and see what will happen in the next 14 days. It was very interesting watching this presentation. I would like to have another session with you because some of the information and data you presented are exactly what I need to work with.
“So, I would like us to sit down and discuss further. But you can be sure that you will hear from us within the next 14 days. I believe the lowest-hanging fruit is the opportunity you identified involving the 10 states,” Governor Otti stated.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Aliyu, disclosed that the agency has completed a nationwide mapping exercise identifying communities requiring rural electrification.
He explained that the agency is currently deploying 1,000 mini-grids across states in the country and recalled that an MoU had already been signed with the Abia State Government last year.
According to him, implementation has not progressed as expected, but the agency remains willing and ready to support Abia State once it demonstrates renewed commitment to executing the rural electrification programme.
Abia to Provide Land for Green Mobility Facility
Responding to the presentation by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), Governor Otti assured the delegation that suitable land would be made available for the proposed green mobility plant.
He disclosed that his administration would also appoint a state focal person to interface directly with the initiative to facilitate smooth coordination and implementation.
“We also need to engage further. My mind tells me that the land should be around Aba because there is significant traffic there. The facility has to be strategically located, preferably along a major road. I can assure you that we will continue our engagement on this,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti further noted that the electric buses introduced by his administration have performed efficiently and have significantly supported the state’s commitment to promoting clean and renewable energy.
He added that while electric vehicles are an important component of the state’s transportation policy, the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) would offer immediate benefits to owners of conventional vehicles who could convert their vehicles to run on CNG, thereby advancing environmentally friendly transportation.

PI-CNG & EV Seeks to Make Abia Southeast CNG Hub

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, commended Governor Otti’s developmental initiatives and expressed the agency’s desire to establish a strategic partnership with the Abia State Government.
He revealed that PI-CNG & EV plans to make Abia the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) hub of the Southeast through the establishment of a clean mobility plant in the state.
Barr. Ahmed further disclosed that the initiative is already collaborating with MOFI on several investment opportunities in Abia State and intends to organise a Clean Mobility Investment Forum, with Abia expected to play a leading role.
He requested the allocation of land within a high-traffic corridor for the construction of the proposed green mobility facility and appealed to the Governor to appoint a state focal person to ensure effective communication and coordination with the implementation team.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Abia State Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, alongside key members of the Abia State Executive Council.