Abia State Governor Alex Otti has assured key development partners from the Federal Government of cooperation to boost the state’s economy.

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].

Governor Otti appreciated their various presentations and assured them of his government’s commitment to work with them to actualise the various areas of partnership.

He specifically appreciated the interest the MD of MOFI had shown in partnering with Abia State and for returning to Abia just two weeks after their last engagement in the State, and reaffirmed his readiness to work together towards getting all necessary benefits from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

The Managing Director of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Takang, had underscored the urgency to operationalise and execute the existing Memorandum of Understanding between MOFI and Abia State Government, assuring of the Ministry’s commitment to the letters of the MOU.

For the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Governor Otti said it is embarrassing that the State has all the trappings but 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 disclosed that he is currently deploying 1,000 mini-grids across States in the country, recalling that an MoU was signed last year with the Abia State Government, but the State is not moving as expected and 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 offered to nominate someone who would interface with them to demonstrate commitment.

“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; rather, they have contributed to the green energy the State is promoting, adding 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 recognised what the Governor is doing in the State and seeks partnership to make Abia the hub of CNG in the Southeast through their plan to establish a clean mobility plant.

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 and hinted that a clean mobility investment forum would be established, and they want Abia to be at the forefront.

Please follow and like us: