The Abia State Government is set to unveil the Greater Aba Master Plan, a 25-year comprehensive framework aimed at transforming Aba, the state’s commercial hub, into a model for urban development and economic resilience.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Prince Kanu, the master plan is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Greater Aba Development Authority and UN-Habitat. It will guide land use, infrastructure development, and sustainable urban planning across the city.
Four Strategic Pillars of the Plan
The master plan is anchored on four key pillars:
1. Road Infrastructure and Connectivity – Enhancing Aba’s transportation network and improving access across the city.
2. Economic Development – Establishing industrial zones, formalising commercial hubs, and stimulating investment.
3. Sustainable Urban Expansion – Ensuring planned growth to accommodate increasing urban population.
4. Flood Management and Resilience – Addressing persistent flooding challenges through resilient environmental design.
Updates on Healthcare and Social Insurance
Prince Kanu also announced that 91,227 individuals have so far enrolled in the Abia State Social Health Insurance Scheme, noting that the scheme will soon be extended to the informal sector as part of its second phase rollout.
He revealed that a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU), equipped with advanced medical technology, is now operational at the Abia State Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia, significantly enhancing emergency and surgical care.
He further assured that the state currently has no reported cases of mpox, diphtheria, cholera, or Lassa fever.
Housing Projects and Infrastructure Developments
The government is also preparing to break ground on four major housing estates:
Valley View Estate
Mgbarakuma Estate
Mbaisii Estate
Obehe Housing Estate
Another four estates are planned under Phase 2, with groundwork expected to begin soon.
Prince Kanu confirmed that Phase 1 of the ABSU Power Restoration Project has been completed, and electricity is now being distributed across several parts of the campus. The hostel renovation is also progressing well, with electrical and plumbing works finished and handover to the university imminent.
Security and Primary Healthcare Projects
Addressing security concerns, particularly in the Umunneochi area, Prince Kanu assured that security agencies have been mobilised and that the government is fully activating its security architecture to address recent breaches.
As part of the ‘Project Ekwueme’ initiative to revamp primary healthcare, the government has already commissioned three Primary Health Centres (PHCs), with the fourth set to open this Friday in Ngwu, Bende LGA.
Power and Water Projects: New Regulatory Shift
Speaking at the briefing, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, provided updates on energy and water supply projects. He disclosed that the state has begun the process of transferring regulatory control from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority, a move expected to be completed within six months.
He also announced the impending rehabilitation of the CKC Aba Water Scheme, which will supply clean drinking water to parts of Aba and surrounding communities.
“This is in line with Governor Otti’s commitment to providing potable water and reliable electricity to the people of Abia,” Monday stated.
The briefing was also attended by Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, and Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
