By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has demanded total disclosure of important information about the recently flagged-off Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road Rehabilitation Project by the Abia State Government.

In a press release signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, and dated 28 October 2025, FENRAD has commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for his commitment toward the rehabilitation of what it described as “long-neglected” 25-kilometre stretch of “this economically vital corridor.” However, FENRAD has urged the State Government to publish the necessary information on the project.

“While FENRAD welcomes and applauds Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to rehabilitate the long-neglected 25-kilometre stretch of this economically vital corridor, the organisation urges clarity, accountability, and transparency must accompany the execution of the project — particularly given that the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road remains a federal highway under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Works.”

They noted that salient issues regarding the project were not clear. The group criticised the ambiguity surrounding the project's contract sum, procurement process, and its legality, as well as the environmental and social considerations.

According to FENRAD, “There has been no public disclosure of the total contract value or the funding framework guiding the rehabilitation.”

The Foundation said it was “seeking clarification on whether the project is being financed solely from the Abia State treasury, through federal allocations, or under the NNPCL Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme previously associated with the project.”

The organisation said It wanted the government to publish “the contractor(s) engaged, the procurement method used, project scope, duration (reportedly slated for completion within 18 months), and quality specifications.”

They also demanded clarification from the Federal Ministry of Works and the Abia State Government on “the legal arrangement that allows the state to execute works on a federal road, including any reimbursement or cost-sharing agreements in place.”

“As an environmental rights organisation, FENRAD urges that due process be followed in assessing the environmental and social impact of the project — especially concerning drainage design, waste disposal, vegetation clearance, and protection of adjoining farmlands and communities,” they added.

FENRAD reiterated its “support for every genuine effort to rebuild our infrastructure and restore dignity to our people’s movement.”

They have also urged the Abia State House of Assembly, civil society organisations, and the media to monitor the project throughout its duration.

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