Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed support for a proposed $13.1 Million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother station project to be established at Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while receiving a delegation of automobile and energy investors led by Mr. Umeobi Frank.
The governor noted that the project, which involves the establishment of a 14.13 million standard cubic feet per day CNG mother station at Owaza, aligns with the state’s industrialisation agenda.
Gov.ernor Otti said the project would strengthen clean energy development and boost manufacturing.
He described Owaza as an ideal location for the project, citing its proven commercial gas reserves and ongoing exploration and production activities by different oil companies.
Governor Otti further stated that the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, where several manufacturers have already commenced development operations, provides a suitable location for the investment.
He assured that the state government would facilitate discussions on the company’s request for hectares of land within the industrial park, and would work with the investors on the proposed Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
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The governor used the opportunity to announce that the state has taken delivery of another batch of 20 electric buses, assuring that an additional 30 buses would arrive in the state by September 2026.
Leader of the delegation and an automobile investor, Mr. Umeobi Frank, said he represents partners and companies with ideas for development who are interested in bringing in cheaper and better automobiles.
He expressed the need for the Abia State government to collaborate with the investors to develop the transportation ecosystem through a Public-Private Partnership.
Also speaking, the Director of Earthoc Gas Limited, Mr. Odim Kalu, said the company is collaborating with partners to develop the CNG mother station, explaining that the facility is intended to power Abia’s industrial and transport sectors and position the state as a hub station for the South East.
Mr. Kalu disclosed that the project is valued at $13.1 million, noting that Abia was chosen because of the availability of gas in Owaza.
He added that the project would create direct and indirect jobs, improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and accelerate Abia’s industrial and economic growth.
