Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a stronger business environment through strategic partnerships with key Federal Government agencies focused on finance, renewable energy, and green transportation.
The Governor made the commitment on Thursday, August 6, 2026, when he received separate delegations from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) at the Government House in Umuahia.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti welcomed the delegations and expressed appreciation for their presentations, assuring them that his administration is ready to collaborate in projects that will promote economic growth, expand access to clean energy, and strengthen investment opportunities across Abia State.
Regarding the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Governor Otti commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Armstrong Takang, for returning to Abia barely two weeks after their previous engagement. He pledged the state’s full cooperation in implementing initiatives that would deliver tangible economic benefits.
Dr. Takang disclosed that an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) already exists between MOFI and the Abia State Government, stressing that the agreement should now be fully operationalized. He expressed confidence that both parties would begin recording measurable progress within the coming weeks as MOFI remains committed to supporting the state’s development agenda.
On rural electrification, Governor Otti acknowledged that Abia has yet to maximize available renewable energy opportunities despite possessing the necessary potential. He described the current pace as unsatisfactory and assured the REA delegation that his administration would take decisive action within the next 14 days.
The Governor explained that his government would carefully review the agency’s data and hold further technical engagements to fast-track implementation of renewable energy projects capable of improving electricity access across communities in the state.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Aliyu, revealed that the agency has successfully mapped rural communities nationwide to identify areas requiring electricity interventions. He added that REA is currently deploying about 1,000 mini-grids across Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu recalled that an MoU was signed with the Abia State Government last year but noted that implementation has progressed slowly. He assured Governor Otti that the agency remains fully prepared to support Abia once the state demonstrates renewed commitment to the programme.
During discussions with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), Governor Otti expressed support for the establishment of a green mobility facility in Abia. He said suitable land would be made available, preferably within the busy commercial city of Aba, where traffic volume would support the project’s success.
The Governor also announced plans to appoint a state focal person who would coordinate engagements between the Abia State Government and the initiative to ensure smooth implementation.
Governor Otti further highlighted the success of Abia’s electric bus programme, noting that the vehicles have performed efficiently while supporting the state’s transition to environmentally friendly transportation. He added that expanding CNG infrastructure would provide another sustainable alternative, especially for vehicle owners willing to convert conventional vehicles to compressed natural gas.
Executive Chairman of PI-CNG & EV, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, commended Governor Otti for his commitment to clean transportation and sustainable development. He disclosed that the initiative intends to make Abia the CNG hub of Nigeria’s South-East by establishing a modern clean mobility plant in the state.
Ahmed explained that PI-CNG & EV is already working with MOFI on several investment opportunities in Abia and plans to organize a Clean Mobility Investment Forum, with the state positioned as a leading participant. He requested land along a major traffic corridor for the proposed facility and appealed to the Governor to appoint a state liaison officer to facilitate seamless collaboration.
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 other members of the State Executive Council.
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Governor Otti’s renewed partnerships with MOFI, REA, and PI-CNG & EV underscore his administration’s determination to attract investments, accelerate renewable energy projects, expand green transportation, and create a more business-friendly environment capable of driving sustainable economic growth across Abia State.
