By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has announced plans to distribute 3,030,000 insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas as part of intensified efforts to combat malaria and reduce malaria-related deaths.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.
According to the commissioner, the mass distribution exercise, scheduled for September 2026, is being implemented in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
The initiative comes as Abia records an improvement in its malaria control efforts. Kanu said malaria prevalence in the state declined from 16 per cent in 2024 to 11 per cent in 2025, placing Abia below the reported national average of approximately 15.2 per cent.
Despite the progress, the state government said it remains committed to achieving further reductions, with an ambitious target of lowering malaria prevalence by another five percentage points and bringing the rate into the single digits.
The commissioner explained that the ITN distribution would form part of a broader malaria-control strategy involving larval source management, identification of malaria hotspots and sustained public awareness campaigns.
Kanu also noted that the planned exercise was particularly important because Abia had not undertaken a statewide mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets since 2010.
He urged residents to complement the government’s efforts by keeping their surroundings clean, eliminating stagnant water and removing other potential mosquito breeding sites.
Abiriba Health Insurance Scheme Set for September 16
In another healthcare development, the Abia State Government said its community-supported health insurance initiative is gaining momentum, with the formal launch of the scheme in Abiriba community scheduled for September 16, 2026.
Through the support of the Abiriba Improvement Union, about 1,000 community members are expected to be enrolled in the health insurance programme at ₦18,000 per person, representing an initial investment of ₦18 million.
The government encouraged other community development unions across Abia to adopt a similar approach by supporting health insurance enrolment for members of their respective communities.
Kanu also disclosed that the state’s recruitment portal remains open for additional healthcare professionals, including consultants, medical officers and dental officers, as part of efforts to strengthen staffing levels in healthcare facilities.
He further reported that no cases of diseases of public health importance were recorded in the state during the period under review.
Abia Plans Road Extension Around Umuahia Railway Corridor
Beyond healthcare, the government announced plans to commence construction of a 200-metre road extension linking the Bende Road Junction by Umuwaya and the Post Office Tower, passing through the railway crossing to First Bank and the Akanu Ibiam Road axis.
The project follows a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
According to the government, design and scoping activities for the project are already underway.
Renovation and retrofitting works have also commenced on an existing structure within the railway station to facilitate the relocation of the police post.
The abandoned road linking First Bank to Keystone Bank, FCMB and other financial institutions in the area is also expected to be reconstructed as part of the broader infrastructure intervention.
Emede-Ibeku Flood Control Project Records Significant Progress
The government also provided an update on the Emede-Ibeku flood control programme, reporting substantial progress on the project.
Site clearing has been completed, while piling is said to be approximately 90 per cent complete. Drainage excavation and construction have also reached about 80 per cent completion.
The intervention is expected to strengthen flood control and improve environmental safety in affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has identified structurally defective buildings within the city. Some of the affected structures have been sealed as a precautionary measure aimed at preventing possible loss of lives and property.
Green Shuttle Records Over 560,000 Passengers
The Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service has also continued to record strong patronage, according to the state government.
Kanu disclosed that during the free-ridership period between December 2025 and February 2026, the buses conveyed 196,950 passengers.
Since the commencement of commercial operations in March 2026, an additional 303,834 passengers have used the service through August.
This brings the total recorded patronage since the launch of the scheme to 560,784 passengers.
The government said the growing passenger numbers demonstrate increasing public confidence in the state-owned transport initiative and its contribution to improving mobility across Abia.
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Overall, the latest update highlights the state government’s ongoing interventions across healthcare, flood management, urban development, road infrastructure and public transportation, with authorities maintaining that the programmes are designed to improve living conditions and strengthen public services across Abia.
