ABIA GOVERNMENT UNVEILS 25-YEAR MASTER PLAN TO TRANSFORM GREATER ABA

In an ambitious move to reshape the future of Aba, Abia State Government has unveiled a comprehensive 25-year Greater Aba Master Plan—a forward-thinking strategy aimed at driving sustainable development, urban renewal, and economic expansion in the state’s commercial capital.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu explained that the long-term plan is a result of collaboration between the Greater Aba Development Authority and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The blueprint is anchored on four transformative pillars:

Road Infrastructure & Connectivity – Focused on easing transportation and improving access within and around Aba. Economic Development – Centered on modernizing industrial zones and commercial hubs. Sustainable Urban Expansion – Designed to support planned growth and eco-friendly development. Flood Management & Resilience – Aimed at solving Aba’s perennial flooding problems.

“This initiative is the government’s bold response to the need for strategic urban planning that supports growth, commerce, and livability,” Kanu said.

Boosting Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure

Prince Kanu also revealed that three new Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been completed under the Project Ekwueme Scheme, bringing the total to 17. Another is scheduled for commissioning on June 20 in Ngu, Bende LGA. The centres are fully equipped and staffed, signaling a boost in healthcare access.

In health insurance, the state has recorded over 91,000 enrollees, with plans underway to extend coverage to the informal sector. A newly operational Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Abia State Specialist and Diagnostic Hospital is now functional, enhancing emergency medical services.

Zero Outbreaks, Strong Surveillance

Prince Kanu confirmed there were no reported cases of Monkeypox, Cholera, Diphtheria, or Lassa Fever in Abia between Epidemiological Weeks 20 and 23—an encouraging sign of effective disease surveillance.

Infrastructure and Education Get a Boost

On physical infrastructure, he said the Michael Okpara Auditorium renovation is over 60% completed, while the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is nearing final touches.

At Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, the first phase of power restoration is complete, with phase two awaiting approval. Hostel renovations are almost done, with handover expected within weeks. The State Executive Council has also approved the recruitment of academic staff in critical departments.

For the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), internal road projects, library upgrades, and auditorium retrofitting are ongoing to boost accreditation and academic excellence.

Power Regulation and Water Projects

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, confirmed that Abia is in the process of transferring electricity regulatory authority from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority.

He also hinted that the much-anticipated CKC Aba Water Scheme would soon be flagged off.

On Security

The government acknowledged isolated security incidents but assured residents that security agencies remain on high alert, and that the administration is committed to preserving peace and safety across the state.