Otti moves to transform Abia with rail project, urban renewal drive
The Abia State Government has unveiled plans to expand its infrastructure base with a proposed railway project in Umuahia, alongside a series of urban renewal and housing initiatives aimed at modernising the state’s capital and surrounding areas.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed the developments while briefing journalists after a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the state was in advanced talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for the construction of a modern train station in Umuahia. He explained that the proposed facility would be strategically located near the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and designed to serve as a hub integrating rail transport with commercial and retail activities.
According to him, the planned station will form part of a broader urban rail corridor, with supporting infrastructure such as access roads to improve connectivity and ease movement within the city.
The railway initiative is one of several projects under the state’s infrastructure push, which also includes urban renewal programmes targeting congestion and environmental challenges in key commercial areas.
Kanu revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority had finalised arrangements to relocate traders from Isi Gate to the Relief Market in Afara as part of efforts to decongest the city centre.
He said compensation had already been paid to affected landowners, while critical infrastructure at the new site—including perimeter fencing and retaining walls—had either been completed or were at advanced stages.
In addition, the government plans to relocate commercial transport operators from Okigwe Park to the new central bus terminal. Pending the completion of the Afara market, traders are expected to temporarily occupy the vacated park.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearing completion and would soon be commissioned alongside facilities supporting the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Scheme.
He noted that the project includes charging stations, ticketing infrastructure, improved road junctions and strategically located bus shelters across the city.
“When fully operational, the central bus terminal and the Green Shuttle Bus Scheme will position Umuahia among cities with efficient and modern public transportation systems,” Kanu said.
Beyond Umuahia, he said several projects executed by the Greater Ohafia Development Authority were ready for inauguration. These include road networks and a new daily market in Ohafia aimed at boosting economic activities in the area.
On housing, Kanu announced that groundwork for a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia would commence on April 21, 2026. He described the project as a collaborative effort between the state government and the Federal Ministry of Housing, designed to expand access to affordable housing.
Reacting to claims that the housing initiative was solely a federal government project, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the state played a significant role in facilitating the development.
He dismissed contrary assertions as politically motivated, emphasising that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to development rather than competition for credit.
