In a significant development for Abia State, a total of $263.8 million has been secured to fund a massive infrastructure overhaul.
The project, titled the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, will be financed by a coalition of international and local partners, with the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) commending the move but also calling for strict adherence to transparency and accountability.
According to a press statement from Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD’s Executive Director, the project is a “game-changer” for economic growth and service delivery in the state. The funding breakdown includes $125 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), $100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB), $15 million from the Canada-Africa Development Bank, and a $23.8 million in counterpart funding from the Abia State Government.
The IsDB’s contribution will be specifically directed toward constructing approximately 126 kilometres of roads in Aba and 35 kilometres in Umuahia. This also includes a crucial link road connecting the two major cities. The project isn’t just about roads; it also aims to address critical erosion issues, create jobs, and implement strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change effects. It’s expected that the project will also attract private sector involvement and partnerships.
While praising the initiative, FENRAD emphasised the importance of fiscal responsibility and public accountability as implementation begins.
The organisation made three key recommendations to ensure the project’s success and prevent corruption: FENRAD urged that all contracts be awarded through a transparent and competitive procurement process that aligns with international standards.
The organisation recommended the inclusion of independent civil society and community-based organisations in project oversight committees to provide credible, grassroots-informed monitoring.
FENRAD called on the government to publicly disclose all project-related information, including designs, timelines, procurement plans, and audit reports, in line with Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act and the state’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
FENRAD’s statement also praised the political will of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the facility and Abia State Governor Alex Chioma Otti for finalising its implementation. The group urged all stakeholders, including the media and the public, to remain engaged in tracking the project’s progress to ensure timely and effective implementation.
