Abia to rehabilitate 248km of roads, address erosion, boost waste management and create 4,000 jobs through climate-resilient investment
By Lucy Ogalue | Naija247news | Abuja, July 16, 2025
The African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Abia State, has launched a landmark $263.8 million Integrated Infrastructure Development Project aimed at transforming critical urban systems in Umuahia and Aba.
Announced in Abuja on Wednesday, the project seeks to modernize roads, mitigate erosion, enhance waste management, and stimulate job creation through climate-resilient investments.
According to the AfDB, the new initiative responds to longstanding infrastructure gaps that have stifled public health, economic productivity, and mobility in the state’s two major cities.
Funding Breakdown:
-
-
$100 million from its ADB sovereign window
-
$15 million from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund (CACF)
AfDB: $115 million
-
-
Islamic Development Bank: $125 million
-
Federal Government of Nigeria: $23.8 million (counterpart funding)
“This project signals a decisive shift toward integrated, climate-resilient urban development that supports inclusive growth and long-term sustainability,” the AfDB said.
The comprehensive initiative includes:
-
Rehabilitation of over 248km of roads in Umuahia and Aba
-
Restoration of two critical erosion sites
-
Solid waste management reforms via public-private partnerships (PPPs)
-
Employment generation—over 3,000 temporary and 1,000 permanent jobs
Otti: Abia is Rising
Speaking at the launch, Abia State Governor Alex Otti hailed the investment as a transformative moment in the state’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
“Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact,” Otti said.
He emphasized the project’s emphasis on youth and women empowerment, with 50% of permanent roles reserved for youths and 30% of construction-phase jobs earmarked for women. Local youth engineers from all 17 LGAs will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps.
🛠️ Social Impact & Safeguards
AfDB’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Abdul Kamara, underscored the initiative’s human-centered design:
“This project is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs—especially women and youth—to thrive.”
Kamara said social safeguards include:
-
Training for women and youth entrepreneurs
-
Support for resettled persons
-
HIV/AIDS awareness programs
-
Strengthened financial and procurement systems
🤝 Government Commitment
Dr. Akande Oyebola from the Federal Ministry of Finance reaffirmed Abuja’s full support:
“This represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to strengthen infrastructure and improve lives.”
Abia’s Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, also pledged transparent implementation, stating, “Our monitoring mechanisms are robust, and our resolve is strong.”
AfDB’s technical teams will support implementation through capacity building and direct supervision to ensure the project’s timely and accountable delivery.
📌 Editor’s Note: For content partnerships and collaborations, reach out via editor@naija247news.com
Naija247news Media Group LLC is committed to ethical, independent journalism that serves the public interest. Our editorial process prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and transparency in reporting. All content is fact-checked and held to the highest standards of integrity. Learn more in our full editorial policy here.
© 2025 Naija247news Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Naija247news Media Group LLC.
Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
