NEWS
Gov. Otti Cracks Down on Extortion, Orders Immediate Reporting of Illegal Warehouse Sealing as Abia Moves to Safeguard Trade and Restore Investor Confidence
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has urged members of the Abia State Shippers Association to promptly report cases of harassment, illegal sealing of warehouses and extortion to relevant government agencies, as part of efforts to end criminality and strengthen law and order in the state.
Governor Otti stated this on Thursday, April 3, 2026, while receiving members of the Association, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Olo Onuma, in his office at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Governor who was reacting to complaints by the Association, reiterated his administration’s resolve to eliminate extortion and other forms of lawlessness.
He noted that the State Government would not tolerate acts capable of undermining economic activities and public confidence, stressing that a stable and secure business environment remains critical to Abia’s economic growth.
Governor Otti expressed concern over the alleged extortion by hoodlums and individuals posing as security operatives, describing it as the first formal report of such incidents brought before him, adding that it would be thoroughly investigated, with all those involved arrested and made to face the provisions of the law.
“There is a government here, any man who shows up in a warehouse and wants to break in or seal it illegally must be reported immediately.
“One of the major things we have achieved here is to restore law and order, whoever you are, you must respect the law. We do not tolerate extortion, self-help or lawlessness in any form.
“This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and all those involved must be arrested and made to face the provisions of the law,” Governor Otti said.
Reinforcing his administration’s zero-tolerance stance, the Governor directed his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D., to ensure that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and that concrete measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence.
He maintained that the majority of Abia residents appreciate the State Government’s efforts in promoting the rule of law, respect for human rights and equal opportunities, assuring that his administration would continue to act in the best interest of the people.
On the proposed Abia Inland Dry Port project, Governor Otti described the initiative as strategic but emphasized that its success must be anchored on economic viability and sustainability to attract patronage from business operators.
According to him, the absence of affordable and efficient transport infrastructure, particularly rail connectivity, poses a major challenge to the project’s success and long-term functionality.
“You can build it (Dry Port) but if it does not make economic sense to the businessmen who will use it, nobody will patronise it.
“Until we deal with rail transport and access logistics, it will be difficult to achieve the desired results”, he said.
The Governor further noted that traders and importers would naturally gravitate towards routes and facilities that minimise cost and delivery time, underscoring the need for a holistic logistics framework to support the project.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abia State Shippers Association, Chief Olo Onuma, commended the Governor for what he described as remarkable achievements within a short period in office.
Chief Onuma, however, appealed for urgent government intervention in reviving the Abia Inland Dry Port project, stressing its potential to boost international trade, stimulate industrial growth and create employment opportunities across the state.
“We urge your Excellency to bring your Midas touch to bear in this Abia State Inland Dry Port Project.
“The realisation of this dry port project will enormously enhance our international trade, increase employment within the state and of course leave further footprints of your in the sands of time here in Abia,” he said.
He decried the growing activities of hoodlums and alleged extortionists, claiming that members of the association, including artisans, fabric dealers, and shoe and bag makers, have suffered significant financial losses due to persistent harassment.
“Unfortunately, Your Excellency, a new gang of these extortionists have emerged and they are colluding with some government officials to cause havoc.
“They are extorting money from our members at our warehouse, offices and when we are offloading our cargoes.
“Specifically, these extortionists have engaged personnel from Standard Organisation Nigeria hiding behind the organisation to perpetrate their dubious activities.
“Furthermore, the extortionists also wait at the Army Brigade within the state, and arranges for soldiers to perpetrate the illegality,” he alleged.
Chief Onuma called on the State Government to expedite action in tackling the menace, particularly in Aba, while also urging greater awareness and adoption of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to enable local manufacturers tap into export opportunities.
He explained that the trade framework allows eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to export manufactured goods, especially garments, to the United States on favourable terms.
Present at the meeting were key government officials including the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Obiukwu; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Chief Obioma Reuben Nwaog
be, Ph.D; and other top government functionaries.