By Sophia Afolabi
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and key federal officials for facilitating the approval of a $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to fund critical infrastructure projects across the state.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti acknowledged the instrumental roles played by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation; the Attorney General of the Federation; and Vice President of IsDB, Dr. Mansur Muhktar.
The IsDB facility forms part of a broader $263.80 million co-financing package targeted at transforming Abia’s infrastructure landscape. The total funding breakdown includes $125 million from IsDB, $100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB), $15 million from the Canada–Africa Development Bank, and $23.8 million in counterpart funding from the Abia State Government.
According to the statement, the IsDB loan is pivotal to unlocking the entire project, given the interlinked structure of the co-financing arrangement. Agreements with the AfDB and Canada–Africa Development Bank have already been finalized, with the AfDB deal signed earlier this year.
The Integrated Infrastructure Development Project will focus on the construction of approximately 126 kilometres of roads in Aba and 35.57 kilometres in Umuahia, including a key link road connecting both cities. Additionally, the project will address critical erosion challenges within the project zones.
“This project is a flagship initiative of the Abia State Government and will be managed by the State Ministry of Works,” the statement noted. “Oversight will be provided by a State Steering Committee to guide the Project Implementation Unit and ensure transparency and efficiency.”
Governor Otti emphasized that the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader vision to modernize Abia’s transportation infrastructure, rejuvenate urban centres, and position the state as a magnet for sustainable economic development.
