Abia Clears Illegal Structures for Umuahia Mega Transport Hub Project

In a strategic effort to modernise Umuahia and reposition it as a world-class capital city, the Abia State Government has commenced the demolition of unauthorised buildings at the site of the former Umuahia market. The action, spearheaded by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), targets residential structures built without government approval on land originally designated for a public-private development.

The land, initially allocated under the previous administration for an event centre through a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement, was illegally repurposed into a residential estate comprising duplexes and apartments. According to the UCDA, the present administration had engaged the investor in dialogue for over a year, offering an ex-gratia compensation package before reclaiming the site for public use.

The reclaimed area is set to host a state-of-the-art transportation hub featuring a bus terminal, train station, and intercity shuttle network. Authorities say the project aims to streamline urban mobility, improve safety, ease congestion, and open up new economic opportunities in the capital city.

Speaking on the development, UCDA General Manager, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, said the demolished structures conflicted with the state’s urban renewal goals and broader public interest. “This integrated transport hub is a cornerstone of our vision to transform Umuahia. It will modernise infrastructure, create employment, and drive economic growth,” he said. The state government has reiterated its commitment to sustainable urban development and infrastructure renewal.