Abia’s Commercial Capital Sees Revival with Major Infrastructure Projects
In a significant development for Abia State’s economic landscape, eight newly reconstructed roads, including the landmark 6.7 km Port Harcourt Road, were inaugurated in Aba, marking a substantial step toward the city’s infrastructural transformation.
Governor Alex Otti celebrated Aba’s resurgence during a high-profile inauguration ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, on Saturday. The event showcased the completion of multiple road projects that have long been awaited by residents and businesses in the commercial hub.
The inaugurated projects included the transformation of Port Harcourt Road into a three-lane carriageway, along with the rehabilitation of Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road, Ajiwe Street, Umuatako Road, Chief Nkoro Street, Gabriel Nwosu Street, and Pepples Road. Speaking at the Enyimba International Stadium, President Tinubu, through Minister Umahi, praised the “touch of quality” evident in the projects and pledged continued federal support for states demonstrating strong leadership.
The federal government also granted Abia State permission to oversee the construction of significant portions of the 35-kilometer Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, as part of ongoing infrastructure development in the South-east and South-south regions.
Governor Otti emphasized the historic nature of the developments, predicting that the renovated Port Harcourt Road alone could double Aba’s trade volume within a year. He acknowledged the initial challenges of President Tinubu’s economic policies while highlighting their emerging benefits.
The event drew notable political figures, including House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who advocated for a South-east seaport and raised concerns about property demolitions affecting Igbo businesses in Lagos. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Labour Party National Secretary Darlington Nwokocha expressed support for the governor’s achievements while calling for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
Local legislative leaders, including Representative Ginger Onwusibe and Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, praised the governor’s performance, suggesting these accomplishments merit consideration for a second term.
The infrastructure revival represents a crucial step in restoring Aba’s position as a major commercial center in Nigeria’s southeast, with Governor Otti calling for additional federal support for rail connectivity, port development, and natural gas utilization in the region.
