By Sophia Afolabi
In a landmark move aimed at reshaping the urban and economic landscape of Aba, the commercial heartbeat of Abia State, the Abia State Government has announced the development of a comprehensive 25-year master plan for Greater Aba. The plan is the product of a strategic collaboration between the Greater Aba Development Authority and UN-Habitat.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the plan is built on four key pillars: transportation infrastructure, economic development, sustainable urban growth, and flood management.
“This master plan is not just a document, but a blueprint for a transformed Aba. We are taking a long-term view to correct decades of planning neglect,” Kanu stated. “Aba’s future begins with a clear, actionable vision.”
The Commissioner explained that the first pillar focuses on upgrading road infrastructure and improving city-wide connectivity. The second aims at formalizing industrial zones and revitalizing commercial hubs. The third pillar targets sustainable development and regulated urban expansion, while the fourth addresses flood management and resilience—a long-standing challenge in the area.
In health sector developments, the Commissioner revealed that 91,227 residents have so far enrolled in the Abia State Social Health Insurance Scheme. He added that the State Executive Council has approved the expansion of the scheme to the informal sector to deepen healthcare access. He also disclosed that a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Abia State Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia has become operational.
“This ICU will dramatically improve our emergency response capabilities and allow for specialized surgeries that were previously out of reach within the state,” said Kanu.
Progress in the education sector was also highlighted. The first phase of the Abia State University (ABSU) power restoration project has been completed, with electricity supply reinstated to several areas of the campus. The next phase is pending approval. Meanwhile, hostel renovation efforts are nearing completion with electrical and plumbing installations already in place.
On the issue of security, Kanu acknowledged recent incidents in Umunneochi, which have resulted in casualties. He assured that security agencies have been fully mobilized and the government is reinforcing its security infrastructure.
Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, also contributed to the briefing, announcing that the state has initiated the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority, a move intended to give the state greater autonomy in managing its power supply.
The Greater Aba master plan signals a major turning point for the state’s urban development strategy, aligning long-term infrastructural goals with socioeconomic and environmental sustainability.
