The Abia State Government has unveiled a major initiative—the 25-year Greater Aba Master Plan—aimed at transforming Aba, the state’s commercial capital, into a modern and resilient urban centre. This long-term strategic plan was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the comprehensive urban development plan was formulated in partnership with UN-Habitat and revolves around four foundational pillars: improvement of road and transport infrastructure, economic and industrial growth, sustainable urban expansion, and proactive flood management. He emphasized that these components are critical to the revitalization and future sustainability of Aba, especially in addressing its long-standing challenges such as flooding and uncoordinated growth.
In addition to urban development, the government is making significant strides in the healthcare sector. Under the Project Ekwueme Scheme, three new primary health centres have been commissioned, increasing the total number of functional Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in the state to 200. A fourth PHC is scheduled for commissioning at Ngu in Bende Local Government Area on June 20, 2024. These centres are equipped with advanced medical technologies and staffed by qualified professionals, in line with Governor Otti’s vision of delivering accessible and affordable healthcare across Abia State. The state’s Social Health Insurance Scheme has also enrolled over 91,000 residents, with expansion into the informal sector underway.
In infrastructure, the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, reported the planned rehabilitation of the CKC Water Scheme, which includes the installation of a 20-kilometre pipeline in its second phase to deliver clean water to Aba and surrounding areas. On sanitation, Isiala Ngwa South is the pilot location for a state-wide open defecation-free campaign.
Furthermore, Abia is moving towards independent control of its electricity sector by transferring regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the newly created Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority, a transition expected to be completed within six months. Electricity upgrades are also underway at Abia State University (ABSU), including transformer upgrades and potential partnerships for independent power supply.
Meanwhile, four new housing projects are set to begin—Valley View, Ma’akuma, Mbaisii, and Obehie estates—alongside renovations at the Michael Okpara Auditorium and other public buildings, including the near-completion of the new Secretary to the State Government office.
Addressing security issues, Kanu confirmed incidents in the Umunneochi axis and emphasized collaboration with neighbouring states to combat cross-border crimes. He dismissed recent reports of an assassination attempt as unconfirmed and stated that Abia remains committed to protecting its people and territory from criminal threats.