Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Landmark Fibre Duct Infrastructure Project in Aba, aimed at driving digital inclusion across the state.
The project is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), Africa’s Digital Backbone, and the Abia State Government.
Otti described the project as a clear demonstration of Abia’s commitment to technology infrastructure development.
“Our objective is to establish an interconnected underground duct system to support the deployment of reliable broadband technology. We aim to deliver superior digital services and expand network coverage for the benefit of investors and new residents,” he said.
He added, “This duct infrastructure development initiative will, upon completion, form the foundation for accelerated growth in our digital economy. It will provide structural leverage for enterprise innovation, resource sharing, and collaboration across geographical boundaries.”
The governor emphasized that the state’s focus on the technology sector is informed by its potential to improve other areas, including security and social protection. He said the project would play a key role in attracting businesses, creating jobs, and improving the ease of doing business in Abia.
Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), a WIOCC subsidiary, praised Abia for creating an enabling environment for the project.
“Our partnership with the Abia State Government reflects a shared vision to accelerate digital access and inclusion. This infrastructure will enable faster, more reliable connectivity, empower communities, fuel entrepreneurship, and strengthen economic growth,” Coker said.
He added that the project aligns with WIOCC’s mission to build open-access, carrier-neutral digital infrastructure supporting next-generation connectivity and cloud services. The initiative reinforces ongoing efforts to create a digitally connected Africa in collaboration with governments and industry stakeholders.
His Royal Highness Eze Chibuzo Chinyere of Ikwuorie Kingdom in Ukwa East LGA welcomed the project, highlighting its potential to create jobs and transform business operations in Abia.
“The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2024, and this groundbreaking is exciting because it promises to make Abia a one-stop digital hub in Nigeria while creating over 2,000 jobs,” he said.
Eze Chinyere praised Governor Otti’s vision and expressed confidence that the project would significantly transform the state’s digital landscape.
