The Abia State Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by Governor Alex Otti, has approved a series of major policies and development initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving public safety, boosting agriculture, enhancing education, and expanding economic opportunities across the state.
One of the most significant decisions reached at the meeting is the introduction of mandatory soil and geotechnical testing before building permits can be issued within the state capital. Under the new policy, all developers will be required to submit certified soil and geotechnical reports before receiving approval for any construction project.
The government said the measure is intended to ensure that buildings are erected on properly assessed foundations that meet engineering standards, thereby reducing the risk of structural failure and protecting lives and property.
As part of its urban renewal programme, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified the desilting of drainage channels across Umuahia to tackle flooding during the rainy season. Ongoing works are taking place along the Shoprite–Uwalaka axis, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church on Ndume Ibeku Road, Finbarrs Road, Adelabu and other strategic locations.
The Executive Council also announced that markets within the state capital, including Ogwumabiri Market in Ossah, are undergoing comprehensive assessment. The review is aimed at upgrading market facilities and, where necessary, relocating some markets to improve urban planning, sanitation and environmental management.
In another major development, Governor Alex Otti has approved an erosion control project for Emede Ibeku Community. The intervention is expected to provide a lasting solution to the severe erosion challenges that have affected residents for many years.
The government further disclosed that the tendering process for the Pocket Estate Layout in Umuahia has been completed. Successful contractors are expected to be announced soon, paving the way for the commencement of the housing project.
On infrastructure, the Ministry of Works continues to record progress through its direct labour road maintenance programme, which is currently active at 46 locations across Abia State.
Completed projects include the rehabilitation of the failed section of Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of Akara Junction–Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato LGA, and Mazi Okoro Avenue in Obinkita, Arochukwu LGA.
Seasonal road maintenance has also commenced on the Opopo Junction–Azumini–Obehe Federal Road, the access road to Obingwa General Hospital, and the road leading to the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
Although work continues on 26 major road projects across the state, government noted that persistent rainfall has slowed progress at some construction sites. Meanwhile, development at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie, Ukwa West LGA, has reached another milestone with perimeter fencing and road construction already completed.
Regarding the recent building collapse in Umuahia, the state government revealed that the investigative panel is expected to submit its report this week, after which its findings will be made public. Authorities have already secured the site and established a structural integrity testing facility as part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance with building regulations and prevent future incidents.
In the education sector, Governor Alex Otti is set to commission the newly transformed Umuomaiukwu Smart School in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. The former conventional public primary school has been upgraded into a modern digital learning centre under the state’s Smart School Initiative.
The facility now boasts ten fully equipped smart classrooms with interactive boards, multimedia teaching tools, digital learning devices for pupils, teachers’ workstations, an ICT laboratory, a multipurpose hall, off-grid solar power, potable water, fire safety systems, 24-hour CCTV surveillance and a dedicated girls’ room for menstrual hygiene support.
Teachers have also received intensive technology-based training, while pupil enrolment has reportedly increased by over 300 percent since the school’s transformation.
To further drive agricultural development, the Executive Council inaugurated the Planning and Implementation Committee for the Nigeria Agri-Business and Agri-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI). The initiative will make Abia the ninth participating state and is expected to unlock significant agricultural and agro-industrial opportunities through collaboration with the Federal Government and other strategic institutions.
The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, in partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), will also begin training and certifying Abia entrepreneurs for export readiness. The programme aims to improve product quality, eliminate counterfeit and substandard products, and position Made-in-Aba goods for greater competitiveness in international markets.
The Council equally approved the establishment of two greenhouse facilities in each of Abia’s three senatorial districts. The initiative is expected to promote year-round vegetable production, strengthen food security and increase agricultural productivity.
Preparations have also commenced for the 3rd Aba International Trade Fair, themed “Aba, Beyond Boundaries: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth.” The event will feature exhibitions and conferences designed to attract investors, promote innovation and create new trade opportunities for businesses across the state.
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The Executive Council said the approvals and ongoing projects demonstrate the Alex Otti administration’s commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure, quality education, safer communities, agricultural transformation, economic diversification and inclusive development for the people of Abia State.
