…….Infrastructure Development
The African Development Bank, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, the Federal Government and Abia State, has inaugurated a 263.8 million dollars Integrated Infrastructure Development Project in Abia.
In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja AfDB said that the initiative was aimed at modernising urban infrastructure, enhancing mobility and promoting inclusive, climate-resilient development in the state.
“The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in the cities of Umuahia and Aba in Abia State.
“The AfDB is contributing 115 million dollars to the project, including 100 million dollars from its ADB window and 15 million dollars from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund (CACF).
“The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with 125 million dollars while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing 23.8 million dollars in counterpart funding,” it said.
According to the statement, the project will rehabilitate more than 248 kilometers of roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba.
It said that the project would also restore two erosion sites and catalyse private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships.
“Abia State, like many rapidly growing regions, has faced mounting infrastructure challenges driven by urban expansion, environmental pressures and limited investment over time.
“Cities such as Umuahia and Aba are contending with aging roads, erosion threats and strained waste systems.
“This project signals a decisive shift toward integrated, climate-resilient urban development that supports inclusive growth and long-term sustainability,”it said.
It quoted Governor Alex Otti of Abia as saying that the initiative marks a defining moment in the state’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
“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.
He said that the project was expected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30 per cent reserved for women and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase,” Otti said.
He said that a key feature of the project was its focus on youth employment and skills development as 50 per cent of the permanent roles would go to young people.
“They will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps, a cadre of local engineers drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State,” he said.
Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr Akande Oyebola, reaffirmed the government’s support.
“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,”he said.
Director-General of the AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, Dr Abdul Kamara, commended the leadership of the federal and state governments.
“This project is rooted in partnership, ambition and long-term impact. At its core, this project is about lives.
“It is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals and creating space for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive.
“Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project incorporates comprehensive social and environmental safeguards.
“These include training for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement support, HIV/AIDS and STI awareness campaigns and strengthened systems for procurement and financial management,” he said.
Abia State Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to accountable delivery.
“Today we reassure all stakeholders, our development partners, contractors, communities, and government institutions that implementation will be guided by diligence, transparency, and accountability.
” Our monitoring mechanisms are robust, and our resolve is strong. This is a defining moment for Abia State, and we shall rise to it with determination and unity,” he said.
The AfDB will provide technical support, capacity building and close implementation supervision through its Nigeria country department and sector teams.
The inauguration of the Abia Integrated Infrastructure Development Project marks a key milestone in the Bank’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development priorities through inclusive, sustainable infrastructure investment. (NAN)
