Otti Unveils Abia Railway Plan, Accelerates Infrastructure Projects

By Abah Margaret

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modern transportation, urban renewal, and housing development, with a proposed railway project in Umuahia forming a central part of its ongoing infrastructure drive.

The State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Oge Christopher, Assistant Head of Department (Information), Kanu revealed that discussions between the state government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation have reached an advanced stage for the construction of a new train station in Umuahia.

According to him, the proposed facility will be strategically located near the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and designed as a modern urban rail corridor integrated with commercial and retail activities.

“The proposed train station will be located adjacent to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and will feature a modern urban railway corridor integrated with retail and commercial activities,” Kanu stated.

He added that a network of access roads would also be developed to enhance connectivity within the area.

On urban renewal efforts, Kanu disclosed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority has concluded arrangements to relocate traders from Isi Gate to the Relief Market in Afara.

“All arrangements for the relocation have been concluded,” he said, noting that compensation has been paid to affected landowners, perimeter fencing completed, and construction of retaining walls is ongoing.

He further revealed plans to relocate commercial vehicles from Okigwe Park to the new bus terminal, while traders would temporarily occupy the park pending the completion of the Afara market.

Kanu also announced that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned alongside supporting infrastructure for the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Scheme.

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

He noted that upon completion, the transport system would position Umuahia among leading cities in Nigeria with modern and efficient public transportation networks.

The commissioner added that several projects executed by the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, including road developments and a new daily market in Ohafia, are ready for inauguration.

On housing, Kanu disclosed that groundwork for a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia is scheduled to commence on April 21, 2026. He described the project as a joint initiative between the state government and the Federal Ministry of Housing.

Reacting to claims that the project is solely a federal undertaking, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the Abia State Government played a significant role.

“The most important thing is the involvement of Abia State… we are not dragging anything with them,” Ekeoma said, dismissing contrary claims as politically motivated.