Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, received key development partners from the Federal Government and vowed to partner with them to boost the business environment in Abia State.
The delegations were from 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]. The meeting was held at Government House, Umuahia.
Receiving the delegations led by their Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers, Governor Otti appreciated their various presentations and assured them of his government’s commitment to work with them.
While thanking the MD of MOFI for his interest in partnering with Abia State, the Governor appreciated him for returning to Abia just two weeks after their last engagement in the State. He assured him of the cooperation of his government towards getting all necessary benefits from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.
The Managing Director, Ministry of Finance Incorporated [MOFI], Dr. Armstrong Takang, noted that there is an existing Memorandum of Understanding between MOFI and Abia State Government. He said it has to be operationalized and executed, adding that in a few weeks, they would want to see results as MOFI is committed to living up to expectations in partnering Abia State.[MoU]
For the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Governor Otti said it is embarrassing that the State has all the trappings and is not moving as expected in the renewable energy project. He, however, assured that within 14 days, positive action would be taken.
“Just watch us and see what will happen in the next 14 days. And it’s very interesting to watch this presentation. So, I would like to have another session with you, because some of the information, the data you captured here, is data that I need to work with.
“So, I would like us to just sit down. But you can be sure that you will hear from us within the next 14 days. And I think the lowest hanging fruit is this one that you have, like 10 States,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Abba Aliyu, revealed that the entire country has been mapped with data showing communities with needs for rural electrification.
Dr. Aliyu, who disclosed that he is currently deploying 1,000 mini-grids across States in the country, noted that an MoU was signed last year with the Abia State Government and the State is not moving as expected. He assured the willingness of his agency to assist the State once it shows commitment to the rural electrification project.
For the PI-CNG & EV, Governor Otti assured of the availability of land for the green mobility plant and said he would nominate someone who would interface with them.
“We also need to engage further. My mind is telling me that land should be around Aba. For the simple reason that there’s a lot of traffic. It has to be strategically located. Actually, on the road. So, I can assure you that we will engage with you further on this,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor noted that all the electric buses the State has pioneered have not disappointed the State. Rather, they have contributed to the green energy the State is promoting. He added that CNG would be better appreciated by those who already have vehicles that are not EVs and who would convert them to CNG, which is equally green mobility compliant.
The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles [PI-CNG & EV], Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, said PI-CNG & EV has recognized what the Governor is doing in the State and seeks partnership with Abia State. He said they intend to make Abia the hub of CNG in the Southeast through their plan to establish a clean mobility plant.
While noting that they are working with MOFI to do a whole lot in Abia State, he said a clean mobility investment forum would be established, and they want Abia to be at the forefront. He requested land to build a green mobility facility within an area of a traffic corridor, and equally requested the Governor to nominate a State Focal Person for easy interface with the team.
The Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Abia State Government, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, alongside key members of the State Executive Council, were present at the meeting.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 6, 2026.
