Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has thrown his weight behind a proposed $13.1 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station project expected to transform the state’s energy, transportation, and industrial sectors.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while receiving a delegation of automobile and energy investors led by Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank at the Government House.
According to Governor Otti, the proposed 14.13 Million Standard Cubic Feet Per Day (MMSCFD) CNG Mother Station to be located in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, aligns with his administration’s industrialisation agenda and commitment to promoting cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
He explained that the project would not only support manufacturing activities across the state but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability through increased adoption of cleaner fuel alternatives.
Governor Otti described Owaza as a strategic location for the investment, noting its abundant commercial gas reserves and the presence of ongoing oil and gas exploration and production activities. He added that the area’s natural resources make it well-positioned to become a major energy hub.
The governor also highlighted the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) as another major attraction for investors, noting that several manufacturing companies have already commenced development within the industrial park.
He assured the delegation that the Abia State Government would facilitate discussions regarding the company’s request for land within the AIIP and expressed readiness to work with the investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to ensure the successful execution of the project.
Speaking further, Governor Otti disclosed that the state has taken delivery of 20 additional electric buses as part of efforts to modernise public transportation. He revealed that another 30 electric buses are expected to arrive before September 2026, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmentally friendly transport.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Umeobi Chukwudolu Frank, said he represented a consortium of automobile and energy investors interested in introducing affordable, high-quality vehicles while supporting Abia’s economic transformation.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between the state government and private investors to build a modern transportation ecosystem capable of driving sustainable growth through a Public-Private Partnership.
Also speaking, the Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, disclosed that the company, alongside its technical partners, is developing the proposed 14.13 MMSCFD CNG Mother Station in Owaza.
According to him, the facility is designed to supply cleaner energy to industries and the transportation sector while positioning Abia as a major CNG distribution hub for the South-East region.
Mr. Kalu stated that the project, valued at $13.1 million, was deliberately sited in Abia because of the vast natural gas resources available in Owaza. He explained that the investment would generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, lower energy costs, improve air quality, and accelerate industrial and economic development across the state.
He noted that the investors are committed to ensuring that the people of Abia benefit from the project and called for government support in the areas of land acquisition, infrastructure, security, and Public-Private Partnership to facilitate smooth implementation.
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The meeting was attended by members of the Abia State Executive Council alongside technical partners involved in the proposed investment.
