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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed confidence in the proposed Azumini Seaport project, revealing plans to work with the Nigerian Navy towards establishing a naval base in the area as part of efforts to prepare for the development.
The governor spoke on Monday, October 26, 2026, during the commissioning of infrastructure projects at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance in Owerrinta. He said feasibility studies for the proposed seaport were ongoing, expressing optimism that the project would eventually be realised.
Otti said the state government was willing to deepen its partnership with the Navy, particularly in areas that could improve security and stimulate economic activities. He maintained that the proposed naval base would form part of the preparations for the seaport, which is expected to create opportunities for trade, investment and employment.
At the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the Abia State Government for supporting infrastructure improvements at the college. Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, Abbas described cooperation between the Navy and the state government as essential to effective training, personnel welfare and operational performance.
The facilities commissioned included upgraded internal roads, a resurfaced parade ground, a reconstructed swimming pool and 10 one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers. The naval chief also emphasised the need to protect critical infrastructure through effective security arrangements, noting that the proposed naval base would require proper assessment of logistics, funding and operational demands.
Otti used the occasion to highlight the connection between education and security, arguing that equipping young people with relevant knowledge and practical skills could help reduce their exposure to criminal activities. He praised the college for its medical outreach programmes in surrounding communities and its participation in the 2026 Leadership Training Boot Camp organised in partnership with the Abia State Leadership Academy.
The governor assured the Navy and other public institutions of his administration’s continued support, regardless of where their personnel receive their salaries. He also encouraged the military institution to expand its educational contributions in Abia to include secondary and vocational training, while urging security agencies to strengthen cooperation in the state.
Earlier, the college’s Commandant, Commodore Babatunde Quadri, acknowledged the contributions of the governor and the naval leadership to the institution’s development. The Training Commander, Navy Captain Mohammed Umar, disclosed that the one-kilometre internal road project was approved in April 2025, with work commencing in April 2026 and ending in September. He added that the state government supplied equipment, heavy-duty machinery and technical personnel for the parade ground resurfacing, completed in early October after approval and funding from the Chief of the Naval Staff.
The naval chief urged the college management to preserve the new facilities and ensure responsible use of public resources, stressing the importance of discipline, integrity and accountability. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and the Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander Macdonald Uba, among other government officials.
