By Uche Usim
Hope is on the horizon for residents of Abia state, as the African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside the Islamic Development Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Abia state government, has flagged off a massive urban infrastructure project aimed at transforming the state’s cities.
The $263.8 million initiative, called the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, was officially launched on July 11, 2025. It aims to modernize roads, tackle erosion, improve waste management, and support sustainable development across the state, particularly in Umuahia and Aba.
“This project is about improving people’s lives. “It’s about reducing travel time, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, to thrive”, said Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of the AfDB’s Nigeria office.
The African Development Bank is providing $115 million for the project, which includes $100 million from its regular fund and another $15 million from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is contributing $125 million, while Nigeria’s Federal Government is backing it with $23.8 million in counterpart funding.
In real terms, the project will rebuild over 248 kilometers of roads in both Umuahia and Aba. It will also fix two major erosion sites and attract private investment into waste management through public-private partnerships, helping Abia tackle long-standing issues caused by years of underinvestment.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State described the project as a turning point. “The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision.
“We are focused on raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact”, he said.
Apart from the physical upgrades, the project is also people-centered. During construction, more than 3,000 temporary jobs will be created, with 30% reserved for women. Once completed, about 1,000 permanent jobs will be available—half of which are reserved for young people. These youths will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps, a team of local engineers recruited from all 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Dr. Akande Oyebola from the Federal Ministry of Finance said the project reflects the government’s dedication to development. “This initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to drive economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for the people of Abia State,” she said.
Beyond the construction works, the project also emphasizes social and environmental protection. Plans include training for women and youth entrepreneurs, awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS and other health risks, and support for people who may be relocated due to the construction. Strong procurement and financial monitoring systems have also been put in place to ensure transparency and value for money.
Otumchere Oti, Abia State’s Commissioner for Works, assured everyone that the state will deliver the project with integrity.
“Today we reassure all stakeholders, our development partners, contractors, communities, and government institutions, that implementation will be guided by diligence, transparency, and accountability. This is a defining moment for Abia State, and we shall rise to it with determination and unity,” he said.
The AfDB will continue to provide technical support and closely monitor implementation through its Nigeria office and technical experts.
With the initiative, the Abia state government said they are on track to become a model for modern, inclusive urban development in Nigeria, where better roads, safer cities and greater opportunities for young people are no longer just dreams, but reality.
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