Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed the new management of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), Owaza, in Ukwa West Local Government Area, to accelerate work on the project and recover time lost since its groundbreaking.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary resources to facilitate the commencement of operations at the industrial park, which is expected to boost investment, industrialisation and job creation in the state.
Otti gave the directive on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when he received his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the State Executive Council and the newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Ms Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, at his office.
The delegation briefed the governor on its recent inspection of the project site in Owaza, during which it assessed existing infrastructure, identified areas requiring upgrades and engaged with the host community and facility managers.
Otti said feasibility studies for the project had been completed, expressing confidence that the integration of industrial production, innovation and commerce would position the park as a major driver of economic growth in Abia State.
He acknowledged the need to secure the facility through perimeter fencing and directed the Commissioner for Works to assess and commence work on a shorter access road connecting the expressway to the park.
The governor also disclosed that the project had attracted considerable investor interest, revealing that a steel plant currently operating in another state was being relocated to the industrial park despite the significant financial implications.
According to him, the development reflects investors’ confidence in the project and its potential to become a major industrial and commercial hub serving Abia State and Nigeria.
Otti congratulated Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, maintaining that appointments under his administration were based on merit. He said the recruitment process for the park’s leadership was designed to identify competent and qualified candidates.
Earlier, Ajagba explained that the delegation’s visit to Owaza was aimed at evaluating the facility and determining the infrastructure required to meet the expectations of the state government and the international business community.
He added that the team received a warm reception from the host community, noting that the park was intended to attract companies capable of advancing industrial development, particularly in the Ukwa West axis.
Also speaking, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr Godwin Adiele, called for accelerated implementation of the project. He said site acquisition processes had been completed and commended the host community for its cooperation.
Adiele expressed optimism that the industrial park would improve livelihoods and bring significant development to Ukwa West and neighbouring communities.
In her remarks, the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ivonye-Ntofon, thanked the governor for the confidence placed in her and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to achieve the project’s objectives.
She described the AIIP as an opportunity to establish a national industrial and innovation hub that would serve Owaza, Abia State and the wider Nigerian economy.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community, Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, expressed appreciation to the state government for its interest in the project and assured the new management of the community’s continued cooperation.
The Abia Industrial and Innovation Park is expected to attract businesses, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities as efforts continue towards its development.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
