Abia Governor Alex Otti criticizes CCECC for slow delivery, seeks meaningful development ties with China. What does this mean for Abia? Find out now!
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has made it clear that his administration will no longer tolerate excuses or delays in delivering critical infrastructure projects. In a bold and direct move, the Governor announced a halt to awarding further contracts to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) due to their failure to meet delivery timelines, even as he called for deeper and more meaningful economic collaboration with the People’s Republic of China.
Governor Otti made the announcement on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, while receiving the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Ms. Yan Yuqing, who led a delegation on a working visit to Abia State.
The Governor emphasized the need for tangible results over rhetoric and expressed disappointment in CCECC’s slow pace in delivering key infrastructure projects in the state.
“We gave you the first two jobs in Aba. One was completed on time, but the other took so long. We still gave you two more. But I’ve now decided that no other job will be given to you until you complete the ones you’re already on,” Gov. Otti stated bluntly.
He further revealed that even a proposed government house project designed by CCECC was declined due to lack of performance, reiterating that Abia State would no longer accept excuses.
“They didn’t come to beg for contracts. I sent for them myself because I had confidence in their ability to deliver. But that confidence has been eroded,” the Governor added.
The Governor also queried the company’s failure to open a proper operational office in Abia State or assign senior officials to oversee their ongoing projects, a factor he said showed a lack of commitment.
China Offers Hope—Vocational Training, Agriculture, University Exchanges on the Table
Despite his displeasure with CCECC, Governor Otti extended a hand of partnership to the Chinese government, expressing interest in fostering stronger bilateral ties that would benefit Abia’s economy and people. He acknowledged the success China has achieved in lifting its citizens out of poverty, contrasting it with Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
“China has a population of over 1.4 billion and a poverty rate of just 1%. Meanwhile, here in Nigeria, about 50% of the people live in poverty. We must be intentional in lifting our people out of poverty,” Gov. Otti said.
He noted that Abians, like the Chinese, are known for their hard work, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, qualities that make the state an ideal partner for sustainable development.
In her remarks, Consul-General Yan Yuqing said her visit aimed to deepen the existing relationship and explore new areas of collaboration between China and Abia State. She expressed China’s readiness to support the state in areas such as agriculture, vocational education, technology, and food security.
She announced China’s intent to donate computers to the state, establish student and faculty exchange programs between Abia and Chinese institutions, and possibly open a “China Window” at the Abia State University or State Polytechnic to promote cultural and academic exchange.
“We are also considering establishing ‘Abia City’ in China, making Abia the sixth Nigerian state to have such recognition. It’s a journey of hope and the future,” Ms. Yuqing stated.
As part of China’s “Fight Against Hunger and Poverty” initiative, the Consul-General also donated food items worth over ₦4 million for distribution to vulnerable groups across Abia State.
Otti’s Message to Development Partners: Performance is Key
Governor Otti’s firm stance sends a clear message to development partners: performance and accountability are non-negotiable. While welcoming collaboration, the Governor is setting a new tone of discipline and delivery in governance.
“We believe in partnerships that yield results. Our people don’t need promises. They need real development—projects delivered on time and with quality,” he said.
The working visit was attended by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the State Executive Council, the Head of Service, and other top government officials.
With the shift in direction, all eyes will now be on how China and Abia State will navigate this budding partnership—and whether the Governor’s tough talk on performance will translate into faster development outcomes for the state.
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