ABIA GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPORT, URBAN RENEWAL, AND HOUSING

The Abia State Government has restated its commitment to improving transportation, urban renewal, and sustainable housing, with the proposed Umuahia railway project emerging as a key focus among several development initiatives.

The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Dr. Alex Otti.

He disclosed that discussions between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation have reached an advanced stage, paving the way for the construction of a new train station in Umuahia.

According to him, the proposed station will be situated close to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and will feature a modern railway corridor integrated with retail and commercial spaces to stimulate economic activities in the area. He added that access roads will also be developed to improve connectivity to the station and surrounding communities.

On urban renewal, Prince Kanu revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) is stepping up efforts to relocate traders from the Isi Gate area to the newly developed Relief Market in Afara. He noted that all arrangements for the relocation have been finalized.

He explained that the move aligns with the government’s plan to decongest the city centre, adding that compensation has been fully paid to affected landowners. He also confirmed that perimeter fencing at the new market has been completed, while work on the retaining wall is ongoing.

To further ease congestion at Isi Gate, the government has concluded plans to move commercial vehicles from Okigwe Park to the soon-to-be-commissioned ultra-modern bus terminal. Traders, he said, will temporarily relocate to Okigwe Park pending the completion of the Afara market.

Providing updates on transport infrastructure, the Commissioner stated that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearly completed and ready for commissioning. He added that all necessary facilities for the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service have been put in place, including charging stations, ticketing points, improved road junctions, and strategically located bus shelters.

“When fully operational, the central bus terminal and Green Shuttle Bus Service will position Umuahia among Nigeria’s leading cities with efficient and modern public transportation systems,” Kanu said.

He further announced that the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) has completed several projects awaiting commissioning by the governor. These include the 2.4-kilometre Amaumara–Ugbe Road in Isuikwuato, the 1.2-kilometre Okagwe–Ukwebi Road, the 1.2-kilometre Amaekpu Ring Road in Ohafia, and the Afiankwo Isiama Daily Market in Ohafia Local Government Area.

Kanu noted that the market project will significantly boost commercial activities and support the state’s economic growth.

He also revealed that preparations have been finalized for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Federal Housing Authority Estate in Umuahia, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The estate, located along Ubani–Uzoakoli Road, is a joint project between the Abia State Government and the Federal Ministry of Housing aimed at providing affordable housing and promoting sustainable urban development.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, Kanu emphasized that Governor Alex Otti remains focused on delivering people-oriented infrastructure that will improve living standards and position Abia as a model for modern urban development in Nigeria.

Addressing claims that the housing project is solely a federal initiative, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that it is a collaborative effort. He noted that the state government provided the land and continues to play a key role in the project.

“The important thing is that Abia State is fully involved. There is no competition with the federal government; those making such claims are merely politicizing governance,” Ekeoma said.

Also present at the briefing were the Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Comrade Samuel Obinna Igwe, and the Director General of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, Engr. Odum.