The Abia State Government has signed an agreement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to support a new access road project in Umuahia.

The road will connect Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, known as Goodshed, with Bende Road. The project aims to improve road access and ease traffic in parts of the state capital.

The government and the NRC signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, August 26, at the Governor’s Office.

Otti Targets Better Connectivity

Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the project forms part of efforts to improve Umuahia’s urban infrastructure.

According to Otti, the new road will improve movement across the city. It will also help address traffic problems around the area.

The governor added that the project will support plans to give Umuahia a facelift.

The proposed road also forms part of a wider transport plan for the state capital. The government plans to integrate the railway station and bus terminal into a transportation hub.

Government Sets Up Implementation Team

To speed up the project, Otti directed key officials to work together on its delivery.

He instructed the Commissioners for Transport and Works to coordinate with the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority.

Other relevant government officials will also take part in the implementation process.

The governor wants the agencies to ensure that the project progresses without unnecessary delays.

Road to Support Transport Hub

The planned access road will create a link between important routes in Umuahia. As a result, it could provide another option for motorists travelling through the area.

The project also connects with the state government’s plan to bring road and rail transport closer together.

A combined transport hub could make transfers between different transport services easier. It could also improve access to the railway station and bus terminal.

For the city, better transport links can support movement between residential, commercial and public areas.

Infrastructure and Urban Development

Road projects can influence how cities grow and how people move between different parts of an urban area.

In Umuahia, the proposed link is expected to improve access around Okpara Square, Goodshed and Bende Road.

The agreement with the NRC also provides a framework for the state to work around the railway corridor while developing the road.

However, the immediate priority remains implementation. Government officials will now need to coordinate the road project and the planned transport hub.

The Abia Government says the initiative forms part of its broader effort to improve infrastructure and mobility in Umuahia.

If delivered as planned, the project could provide a new road connection while supporting the state’s longer-term plans for an integrated transport system.

The post Abia, NRC Sign MoU for Access Road Across Umuahia Railway Corridor appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Women from Umuariaga community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State have protested against an alleged plan by the state government to acquire their farmland for a proposed smart city housing estate without their consent.

The women stormed the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, expressing fears that losing the land would threaten their livelihoods and worsen hunger within their families.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs. Glory Orji alleged that individuals claiming to represent the Abia State Government had informed residents that the community’s flat lands had been designated for a housing estate project.

According to her, the development has created tension and uncertainty across the community.

Women Fear Loss Of Livelihood

The protesters said the farmland remains the primary source of food and income for many families in Umuariaga.

“This is the only flat land we have. If they collect it from us, what will remain for our children?” Orji asked.

“If they collect it from us, where are we going to farm and where are we going to feed our families from?” she added.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the women appealed to Governor Alex Otti to protect indigenous landowners from losing ancestral lands without proper consultation or agreement.

Herdsmen Crisis Also Raised

The women also complained about persistent destruction of crops by cattle allegedly belonging to herdsmen operating around the community.

They accused relevant government agencies of failing to adequately address the situation, saying farmers have continued to suffer repeated losses.

Government Promises Investigation

Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Commissioner for Finance, Uwaoma Ukandu, assured the protesters that their concerns would be communicated to Governor Alex Otti.

Ukandu appealed to the women to remain peaceful, promising that the issues raised would be investigated and addressed appropriately.

The post Abia Women Protest Alleged Takeover Of Farmland For Smart City Housing Estate appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Traders at Isigate Market in Umuahia, Abia State, have expressed mixed reactions over the state government’s plan to relocate them to a new site.

While many acknowledge the long-term benefits of a modern market, others fear the immediate impact on their businesses and customer base.

Several traders who spoke on the development said the relocation, though well-intentioned, could disrupt their livelihoods in the short term.

One trader, who requested anonymity, described the move as a double-edged sword.

“It’s not that I’m not grateful. The new market is a good idea, but it will affect me both positively and negatively,” he said.

He recalled a previous relocation to Urban Market that negatively affected his business.

“When we were moved to Urban, my business didn’t progress at all. As a father, I struggled to provide for my family. We made more losses than profits,” he said.

Despite his concerns, the trader expressed support for Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

Another trader expressed optimism, noting that the initial challenges may ease over time.

“It might not be easy at first, but I believe with time, it will turn out well for us,” she said.

However, a third trader raised concerns about losing customers, describing it as the biggest risk.

“The only issue I have is losing customers. We were once forced to move, and it didn’t benefit us at all. Even when you invest heavily, nothing comes out of it,” he said.

He appealed to the government to ensure the new market is permanent, structured, and easy for customers to navigate.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Ferdinand Eke oma, confirmed that the relocation process will begin next week.

According to him, traders will first be moved temporarily to Okigwe Park before being permanently relocated to the main market at Afara, which is still under construction.

Ekeoma clarified that Isi Gate is not officially recognised as a market.

“As far as we are concerned, Isi Gate is not a market,” he said.

He explained that operators in the area include both traders and transporters, adding that each group will be relocated accordingly.

“The traders will move to the new market, while the transporters will be relocated to the designated bus terminal,” he said.

He added that leaders of the traders had already inspected the new site and were satisfied with available facilities, including electricity, water supply, and sanitation.

Traders are expected to begin the first phase of relocation in the coming days.

The post Traders Divided Over Planned Relocation of Isigate Market in Abia appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government and the Abia State Government have entered into a joint partnership to develop a new housing estate in Umuahia, aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and improving urban infrastructure.

The clarification was made by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Project Not Solely Federal Initiative

Kanu explained that the proposed estate, under the Federal Housing Authority, is not exclusively a federal project but a collaborative effort between both tiers of government.

He noted that the state government provided the land, reinforcing its active role in the development.

“The project is designed to expand access to affordable housing, promote urban development, and support sustainable community growth,” he said.

Concerns Over Farmland Addressed

The government also responded to concerns that the estate would be built on rice farmland, potentially affecting food production.

According to Kanu, the project aligns with a balanced development strategy that considers both housing needs and agricultural sustainability.

“We need food, but we also need affordable housing for residents,” he stated.

Government Dismisses Criticism

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, dismissed criticisms of the project as politically motivated.

He emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving living standards and infrastructure across the state.

Urban Transport Reforms Underway

Beyond the housing initiative, the state government outlined broader urban development plans in Umuahia.

These include relocating commercial transport operators from Okigwe Park to a new ultra-modern bus terminal nearing completion.

Traders around Isi Gate will also be temporarily moved to Okigwe Park pending the completion of Afara Market.

Rail Development in Discussion

The state is also in talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to establish a new train station near the proposed bus terminal, alongside the development of an urban rail corridor.

Officials say these projects form part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise infrastructure, boost economic activity, and improve quality of life for residents.

The post FG, Abia Partner on Housing Estate Project in Umuahia appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Abia State Government has clarified that the proposed Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia is a joint project between the state and the Federal Government, dismissing claims that it is solely a federal initiative.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made the clarification after a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the housing project is aimed at expanding access to affordable housing, enhancing urban development, and supporting sustainable community growth in the state.

He also addressed concerns over the siting of the estate on rice farmland, stating that the development would not undermine agricultural productivity.

“We need food, but we also need affordable housing for residents. The project is part of a balanced development strategy,” he said.

Backing the commissioner’s position, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, emphasized that the state government remains fully involved in the project, having provided the land for the development.

He dismissed criticisms surrounding the initiative as politically motivated, insisting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving infrastructure and living standards.

In addition to the housing project, the state government outlined plans to restructure urban transportation within Umuahia.

Kanu disclosed that commercial transport operators would be relocated from Okigwe Park to a new ultra-modern bus terminal nearing completion.

He added that traders around Isi Gate would be temporarily moved to Okigwe Park pending the completion of Afara Market.

Furthermore, discussions are ongoing between the state government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to establish a new train station near the bus terminal, alongside the development of an urban rail corridor.

The government noted that these initiatives form part of a broader plan to modernise infrastructure, boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents across the state.

The post Abia, FG Partner on Proposed Housing Estate in Umuahia — Commissioner appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Abia State Government has unveiled plans for a high-level Abia Business Roundtable 2026, a strategic forum designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector operators across Nigeria.

The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, with Governor Alex Otti set to preside over the session.

Speaking at a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the roundtable as a structured platform for policy dialogue, idea exchange and partnership building between the state government and business leaders.

According to Kanu, the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and accelerating economic growth through targeted private sector engagement.

He explained that the forum would allow business owners and investors to directly interact with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, providing them with the opportunity to articulate their operational needs while gaining insight into government support frameworks already in place.

The commissioner emphasized that participants are being drawn from across the country, signaling the state’s intention to position itself as an emerging investment destination in Nigeria.

He noted that discussions at the Abia Business Roundtable 2026 would focus on identifying investment opportunities in Abia State, addressing structural bottlenecks and designing collaborative solutions that enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotions Office, Mr Chinedum Chijioke, confirmed that the roundtable would commence at 10:00 a.m.

Chijioke described the engagement as a deliberate move to institutionalize structured dialogue between the public and private sectors.

He stated that globally, economic development is largely driven by private enterprise, while governments create enabling environments through policy stability, infrastructure development and regulatory clarity.

According to him, the Abia Business Roundtable 2026 is intended to reinforce this model by ensuring that business operators actively contribute to shaping policies that affect the investment climate in the state.

He stressed that this would be the first engagement of its kind under the current administration, adding that it would establish a sustainable framework for continued collaboration beyond the one-day event.

Chijioke further disclosed that participation in the roundtable is strictly by invitation and subject to prior registration. Interested participants are required to register through an official link or by contacting a designated phone number via text message or WhatsApp.

He explained that the government has categorized prospective participants based on annual business turnover, ranging from enterprises generating ₦50 million annually to those exceeding ₦1 billion. The categorization, he said, is intended to ensure balanced representation across different tiers of the private sector.

The Director-General emphasized that the government is targeting active players who generate employment and contribute significantly to Abia’s economic output.

He reiterated that the objective is not merely symbolic engagement but actionable dialogue capable of translating into concrete investment outcomes.

Beyond the roundtable, Chijioke outlined the mandate of the Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotions Office, noting that its functions are divided into three core areas: investment promotion, investment facilitation, and aftercare and advocacy.

He explained that investment promotion focuses on marketing Abia State as an attractive destination for capital inflow, while investment facilitation involves assisting investors through regulatory and procedural processes.

Aftercare and advocacy, he added, ensures continuous support for existing investors and provides a feedback mechanism for improving the business climate.

The upcoming forum, he said, forms part of the aftercare and advocacy component, enabling government to evaluate the effectiveness of its policies and identify areas requiring reform.

Economic analysts view the Abia Business Roundtable 2026 as a significant signal of the state government’s reform-driven approach. By prioritizing structured engagement, the administration appears to be positioning Abia as a competitive subnational economy within Nigeria’s evolving investment landscape.

The presence of senior government officials at the press conference, including representatives from the PPP and Investment Promotions Office, further underscores the importance attached to the initiative.

With the March 5 date approaching, stakeholders in the business community are expected to monitor the outcomes of the engagement, particularly commitments related to infrastructure, regulatory reforms and incentives.

If effectively implemented, the roundtable could mark a turning point in government–business relations in Abia State and strengthen investor confidence in the state’s economic direction.

As preparations intensify, attention will be on how the dialogue translates into measurable investment inflows and sustainable private sector growth in the months ahead.

The post Abia Business Roundtable 2026: Otti Moves to Deepen Private Sector Partnership appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has officially handed over the completion of several key federal road projects in Abia State to the state government, marking a new phase of collaboration aimed at accelerating road infrastructure delivery under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The handover, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a civic reception in honour of Governor Alex Otti at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the transfer covers major roads including the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, all vital routes within the South-East economic corridor.

Umahi said the initiative reflected President Tinubu’s approval for Abia State to oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected projects based on a mutual understanding between both governments.

Commending Governor Otti’s leadership, the minister said: “I am happy that many of our governors are taking the bull by the horns. The roads had suffered years of neglect and funding challenges before this intervention.”

He urged Abia residents and the South-East region to continue supporting the Tinubu administration, noting that the zone had benefited from several ongoing federal projects and key appointments, including that of the Chief of Air Staff.

Governor Otti, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the President for approving the collaboration, describing it as a pragmatic step toward improving the lives of Abia residents.

“This is not the first time Abia is intervening in federal projects. What matters most is that the roads get fixed and our people benefit,” Otti stated.

The partnership has drawn widespread commendation from stakeholders, who described it as a practical solution to accelerate infrastructure development, boost commerce, and promote regional integration between Abia and neighbouring states.

Earlier in the day, Umahi and Otti inspected ongoing works on the 56.1-kilometre Section II (Umuahia Tower–Aba) of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, being handled by Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited. The minister directed the contractor to complete the remaining 4.1 kilometres within one month.

The team also inspected works on Section IV of the same expressway (Aba–Port Harcourt), being executed by CCECC (Nig.) Limited. Umahi revealed that, due to delays and poor performance, the contract had been partially reallocated to an indigenous company, Trucret (Nig.) Limited, under emergency repair terms.

The minister explained that the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, awarded in 2017, is designed to become an eight-lane superhighway to enhance connectivity to key national assets such as seaports, refineries, and industrial hubs in the South-East and South-South regions.

Officials say the decision to allow state governments take over stalled federal projects marks a strategic shift in Nigeria’s infrastructure policy, enabling faster project completion through joint funding and execution.

The post FG Hands Over Abia Road Projects to State Government appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties belonging to Igbo residents in Lagos State.

Kalu made the call on Friday during a reception for the President in Aba, where he commissioned landmark projects executed by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti. He said the demolition of homes and offices belonging to Igbos in Lagos “makes our heart bleed.”

“Mr. President, for some of them who have not gotten the right document, my plea to you is to appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to keep accommodating our brothers and allow them to rectify their documents instead of destruction,” Kalu said.

He urged that affected property owners be given the opportunity to regularize their papers rather than suffer demolition, especially during what he described as “hard times.”

The Deputy Speaker praised President Tinubu’s inclusive approach to governance, citing the appointment of Igbo leaders to key positions, including the Minister of Works and the Chief of Naval Staff. He also thanked the President for supporting his emergence as Deputy Speaker.

Kalu further commended Governor Otti for the projects undertaken in Abia State, urging him to continue delivering more development for the people.

The post Kalu Urges Tinubu to Halt Demolition of Igbo Properties in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.