Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reaffirmed his government totally commitment towards the realization of the Inland dry port in, Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
Dr. Ikpeazu who stated this during a courtesy visit in Government House, Umuahia by the Chinese Investors and Implementation Committee on the Ntigha dry port project, said that his government was conscious of the socio-economic importance of the port not only to the state but the entire south east zone and would therefore do all she can to ensure its realisation.
Dr Ikpeazu enumerated the acurable benefits from the dry port which has been in the pipeline for some years now to include increase in the revenue base of the state, economic activities of the zone as well as creating employment opportunities for the teeming youths.
Represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, the governor disclosed that the state government on its part would do all that were required of her to achieve the project by creating the enabling environment including provision of adequate security to the Chinese Investors handling the project and enjoined them to ensure that the 18 months deadline for the port commissioning was met.
He commended the Avor Ntigha host community for donating a large expanse of their land and reaffirmed government’s readiness to partner with the Chinese investors to achieve success assuring that their investment would yield the desired dividends as about 70% of the importation into the country are from entrepreneurs from the south east zone who would patronise the dry port.
In their remarks , the leader of the delegation and chairman, Abia state security fund , Mr Darlington Anyanwu and the Concessioner representing East Gate lnland dry port, Mr. Bill Nkemdirim expressed delight of Abia state been the host to the project that has capacity of changing the narratives of the south east zone.
They disclosed of having devised a workable model that would ensure that the Ntigha dry port were realised by the Chinese Investors who will finance the project and assured that Abia state of their readiness for its full implementation.
Also Speaking, one of the Chinese technical partners handling the project, Mr Duan Hao of the China Tianchan Engineering Company said they are determined to work in synergy with the Abia state government to ensure the realization of the project based on their expertise and solicited for cooperation from government and other stakeholders to enable them deliver on scheduled.
