The African Development Bank has announced the launch of a $263.8m integrated infrastructure development project in Abia State, aimed at modernising urban infrastructure and rehabilitating over 248 kilometres of roads across the cities of Umuahia and Aba.

According to a press statement issued by the bank on Wednesday, the project, which was officially launched on July 11, 2025, is being implemented in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Abia State Government.

The statement read, “The African Development Bank, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government and Abia State, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project on 11 July 2025.

“The project is a transformative $263.8 million initiative to modernise urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development.”

The African Development Bank is contributing $115m to the project—$100m from its ADB window and $15m from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125m, while the Federal Government is providing $23.8m in counterpart funding.

“The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management, which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in the cities of Umuahia and Aba in Abia State.

“The African Development Bank is contributing $115m to the project, including $100m from its ADB window and $15m from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125m, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing $23.8m in counterpart funding.

“The project will rehabilitate more than 248 kilometres of roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba, restore two erosion sites, and catalyse private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships,” the statement noted.

The AfDB further stated that Abia State, like many fast-growing regions, has been grappling with ageing infrastructure, urban expansion, and environmental pressures that have strained public health and economic productivity, particularly in Umuahia and Aba.

The new project is expected to address these challenges through integrated and sustainable infrastructure renewal.

Commenting on the project during the launch event, the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, described it as a turning point in the state’s development trajectory.

“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.

The project is expected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, 30 per cent of which will be allocated to women.

In the operational phase, about 1,000 permanent jobs will be created, with 50 per cent reserved for young people who will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps—an initiative drawing local engineers from all 17 Local Government Areas in the state.

Also speaking, Director General of the Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, Dr Abdul Kamara, said the project is anchored on partnership and 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 said.

The project also includes several social and environmental safeguard measures such as training for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement assistance, awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS and other infections, as well as enhancements to procurement and financial management systems.

The Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr Akande Oyebola, noted that the project represents a major step in efforts to boost economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve living standards in Abia State.

He emphasised that the initiative reflects a collective commitment to national development objectives.

Similarly, the Abia State Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, expressed the government’s resolve to ensure transparent and accountable implementation.

He assured stakeholders that the state would uphold diligence throughout the process, backed by strong monitoring mechanisms and a firm commitment to delivering results.

The Bank noted that it would continue to provide technical support, capacity building, and close supervision through its Nigeria Country Department and sector teams to ensure successful delivery.

It added that the project forms part of its broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through inclusive and sustainable infrastructure investment. (PUNCH)