Caption: From left, Otumchere Oti, the State Commissioner for Works; Mahaman Mourtala Mamoudou Abdoussalam, Operations Team Leader, Economic Infrastructure, IsDB; Dr. Abdul B. Kamara, Director-General for Nigeria, AfDB Group; Governor Alex Otti; and Dr. Oyebola Akande, Assistant Director, International Economic Relations Department, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria
The African Development Bank, on Thursday said it is partnering the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government and the Abia State for a $263.8m initiative that would modernize urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development in the South East State over the next five years.
Tagged the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project spanning 248km of roads, the transformative deal, according to a joint statement by the partners, is expected to addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in major cities like the capital Umuahia and Aba, a commercial hub in Nigeria’s south east.
While the AfDB is contributing $115m or 43.6% of the project cost, including $100m from its ADB window, and $15m from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund (CACF), the IsDB will co-finance with $125m or 47.38%, the Nigerian government is providing the balance $23.8m, representing 9.02% in counterpart funding.
The project will also restore two erosion sites, and catalyze private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships in the state, which like many rapidly growing regions has faced mounting infrastructure challenges driven by urban expansion, environmental pressures and limited investment over time.
The project which signals a decisive shift toward integrated, climate-resilient urban development that supports inclusive growth and long-term sustainability, will result in help Umuahia and Aba fix their aging roads, erosion threats, and strained waste systems.
The project is projected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30 percent reserved for women, and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase.
A key feature of the project is its focus on youth employment and skills development: 50% of the permanent roles will go to young people, who will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps—a cadre of local engineers drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.
Dr. Alex C. Otti, the State Governor, described the initiative as a defining moment in the State’s infrastructure renewal agenda, noting that “the fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision.
“We are focused on raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact,” he said.
Dr. Akande Oyebola, Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, reaffirmed the government’s support, stressing that the “initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to drive economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for the people of Abia State.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General of the AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, commended the leadership of the national and sub-national governments for partnering in such ambition project which has long-term impact.
“At its core, this project is about lives, it is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive,” he added.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project incorporates comprehensive social and environmental safeguards, such as training for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement support, HIV/AIDS and STI awareness campaigns, and strengthened systems for procurement and financial management.
Otumchere Oti, Abia State Commissioner for Works, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to accountable delivery, reassuring “all stakeholders, our development partners, contractors, communities, and government institutions, that implementation will be guided by diligence, transparency, and accountability. Our monitoring mechanisms are robust, and our resolve is strong. This is a defining moment for Abia State, and we shall rise to it with determination and unity.”
The AfDB is expected to provide technical support, capacity building, and close implementation supervision through its Nigeria Country Department and sector teams, as the project marks a key milestone in the Bank’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development priorities through inclusive, sustainable infrastructure investment.
