Umuahia (Abia State) Governor Alex Otti has explained why the much-awaited Ukwa seaport project has not commenced. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Ezumezu Ndoki Patriotic Association in Ukwa East, he stressed that his administration will not begin the project until full funding is assured, ensuring it will be completed once initiated

He revealed that a Chinese team submitted feasibility reports indicating approximately 19.5 km of dredging is required to reach the high sea — significantly more than earlier estimates suggested

Otti emphasized that commencing such an extensive project without financial confidence risks abandoning the project midway, a scenario his administration intends to avoid

He also reassured the public that other infrastructural projects, such as local road construction, are progressing steadily despite the seaport delay. These include the Akirikaobu and Obohia roads, which are now active following earlier setbacks