Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed the Commissioner for Works to assess and commence work on an alternative access road to the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) in Ukwa West LGA.
The directive is part of measures to accelerate development and improve accessibility to the industrial facility, which is central to the administration’s industrialization agenda for the State.
The Governor gave the directive on Tuesday at his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, while receiving a briefing from the MD/CEO of AIIP, Ms Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon following her familiarization visit to the industrial park earlier in the day.
He disclosed that the government was considering a shorter access route from the expressway to the AIIP facility, and nstructed the Commissioner for Works to assess the proposed route and initiate the necessary steps.
He said the various infrastructure interventions by his government were intended to ensure a smooth take-off for the new management and create an enabling environment for investors.
Governor Otti also disclosed that the state government would make provisions for fencing the industrial park to strengthen security,
He directed the newly appointed Managing Director of AIIP, Ms.Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to identify the resources and infrastructure required to fast-track the project.
Governor Otti said his administration is committed to ensuring that the project achieved its objectives, noting that interest from investors had reinforced confidence in the project’s prospects.
“I’m glad that the community is upbeat about what that place holds for the state and Nigeria in general. A lot of interest has been shown by investors”.
The Governor disclosed that investors were relocating an existing steel plant from another state to the park despite the cost implications.
According to him, the decision by the investors to undertake the relocation demonstrates their confidence in the industrial park.
“The issue is not whether that place will be successful. It’s about how quickly we can achieve that”, the Governor said.
Governor Otti explained that the government had conducted feasibility studies on the project and expected the new management to accelerate its implementation and recover time lost since the project was flagged off.
He urged the new chief executive to engage relevant government officials on the support required to deliver on the project’s mandate.
Governor Otti also directed that engagement with relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector should continue, including efforts to advance plans for a modular refinery.
The Governor congratulated Ms Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, noting that the new chief executive secured the position through her performance during the selection process.
He expressed confidence in her professional background and experience, urging her to justify the confidence reposed in her by delivering tangible results.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said the familiarisation visit was to enable the new Chief Executive to assess the project site and understand the work needed to meet the expectations of the state government, residents and the international business community.
He described the appointment of a new management team as an opportunity to advance the project.
In her remarks, the MD CEO of AIIP, Ms Ivonye-Ntofon thanked the governor for entrusting her with the responsibility and pledged to work with the relevant stakeholders to realise the project’s objectives.
She said the warm reception from the host community during the facility tour reflected their expectations for the project, adding that the visit had renewed their confidence in its prospects.
