Abia commits to urban renewal, transportation, housing, others

Abia State Government (ABSG) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring modern urban transportation, renewal and sustainable housing development with the proposed Umuahia railway project taking centre stage among several strategic initiatives.

…Partners Nigerian Railway Corporation on Umuahia train station

Okey Kanu, Abia State Commissioner for Information, disclosed this, Monday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu revealed that, following ongoing engagements between officials of the Abia State Government and the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, arrangements have reached advanced stages for the construction of a new Umuahia train station.

He explained that the proposed train station would be located adjacent to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and will feature a modern urban railway corridor integrated with retail and commercial activities, aimed at boosting economic growth within the axis.

He added that a network of access roads would also be developed to enhance connectivity to the facility and adjoining communities.

The Commissioner informed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) is intensifying efforts to relocate traders from the Isi Gate area of Umuahia to the newly developed relief market, Okigwe park, adding that all arrangements for the relocation have been concluded.

Kanu, who noted that the move was in line with the State Government’s urban renewal and decongestion agenda, hinted that compensation payments to affected landowners have been fully settled, while perimeter fencing of the market has been completed, with construction of the retaining wall currently ongoing.

He further disclosed that in other to rid the capital city centre, Isi Gate of street traders, the State Government had concluded plans to relocate commercial vehicles from Okigwe park to the ultra-modern bus terminal to be commissioned soon, while the traders would be relocated to the Okigwe park pending the completion of the Afara relief market for the traders.

Providing updates on transport infrastructure, Kanu said that construction of the ultra-modern Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is almost 100% completed and ready for inauguration.

He further stated that all supporting infrastructure for the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service Scheme had been put in place.

“These include charging stations, ticketing points, junction improvement works, as well as bus shelters strategically located across Umuahia.

“When fully operational, the new central bus terminal and the Green Bus Shuttle Service will position Umuahia among leading cities in Nigeria with modern and efficient public transportation systems, Kanu said.

The Commissioner also announced that the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) has completed several projects awaiting inauguration by Governor Alex Otti.

“These include the 2.4-kilometre Amaumara–Ugbe Road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, the 1.2-kilometres Okagwe–Ukwebi Road, the 1.2-kilometres Amaekpu Ring Road in Ohafia, as well as the Afiankwo Isiama Daily Market in Ohafia LGA.

He noted that the market project, when completed, would significantly enhance commercial activities in the area and further drive the State’s economic transformation agenda.

The information boss further informed that the proposed Federal Housing Authority Housing Estate in Umuahia, which ground breaking ceremony took place, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 was designed to expand access to affordable housing, promote urban development, and strengthen sustainable community growth across the State.

The housing project, located along the Ubani–Uzoakoli Road, is a collaborative initiative between the “Abia State Government and the Federal Ministry of Housing.