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.

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The Abia State Government has directed all beneficiaries of land allocations at the Government Station Layout, Uzoakoli, to present their allocation papers and other relevant documents for verification and regularisation within 14 days.

The directive was issued through the Ministry of Lands, which warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in the revocation of the affected allocations.

According to a public notice released by the Office of the Commissioner for Lands, all persons allocated plots within the estate are required to report to the Ministry of Lands in Umuahia with their allocation documents and other supporting records for verification.

The notice, signed by the State Director of Lands, ESV Mong N. Uduma, on behalf of the Commissioner, said the exercise is aimed at verifying and regularising land allocations within the Government Station Layout.

The government stated that all affected allottees must comply with the directive within 14 days from the date of publication of the notice.

It warned that any allottee who fails to present the required documents within the specified period may forfeit the allocation.

The notice further stated that the government reserves the right to reallocate any affected plot without further notice.

The Ministry urged all concerned individuals to take advantage of the verification exercise to regularise their documents and avoid any complications regarding ownership of their allocated plots.

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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 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.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to drive the state’s real estate and infrastructural development.

Governor Otti made the statement on Tuesday at the Government House, Umuahia, while receiving a delegation from NIESV, led by its President, ESV Chief Victor Alonge. The visit coincided with the institution’s 2026 Annual Conference at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.

“We consider ourselves partners to institutions and individuals who share our vision for a better society. There are many initiatives in the real estate sector that will require your involvement. This presents an opportunity to deepen our partnership,” Otti said.

The governor assured the delegation of full support from his administration, directing cabinet members to collaborate closely with NIESV members. He also reiterated his commitment to establishing a five-star hotel in Umuahia to provide world-class accommodation for visitors and conference participants.

NIESV President, Dr. Victor Alonge, highlighted the theme of the 2026 conference: “Corridors, Connectivity and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments”. He noted this was the first time Abia State would host the conference and praised Governor Otti’s support in enhancing the state’s investment environment.

“We will continue to offer professional services aligned with global best practices, while upholding our code of professional ethics,” Alonge said, adding that members have contributed to Abia State’s development in policy formulation, land administration, asset management, and project development.

The Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, and commissioners for Housing, Lands, Survey, and Agriculture, along with other senior officials, were present at the meeting.

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