The African Development Bank has launched a $263.8 million integrated infrastructure project in Abia State to upgrade urban infrastructure and rehabilitate more than 248 kilometres of roads in Umuahia and Aba.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the bank said the project—officially flagged off on July 11, 2025—is being carried out in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Abia State Government.
The statement read, “The African Development Bank, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government, and Abia State, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project on July 11, 2025.
“The project is a transformative $263.8 million initiative to modernise urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development.”
The African Development Bank is contributing $115 million to the project—comprising $100 million from its ADB window and $15 million from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125 million, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing $23.8 million in counterpart funding.
“The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in the cities of Umuahia and Aba in Abia State.
“The African Development Bank is contributing $115m to the project, including $100m from its ADB window and $15m from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund. The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125m, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing $23.8m in counterpart funding.
“The project will rehabilitate more than 248km of roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba, restore two erosion sites, and catalyse private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships,” the statement noted.
The AfDB noted that Abia State, like many rapidly growing regions, faces challenges from ageing infrastructure, urban sprawl, and environmental pressures that have negatively impacted public health and economic productivity—especially in Umuahia and Aba.
The new project aims to tackle these issues through integrated, sustainable infrastructure upgrades.
Speaking at the launch event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti described the initiative as a turning point in the state’s development path.
“The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision. We are focused on raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact,” he said.
The project is expected to create over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30 per cent allocated to women.
In the operational phase, it will generate around 1,000 permanent jobs, half of which are reserved for young people. These youths will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps—an initiative that engages local engineers from all 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General of the AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, said the project is rooted in strong partnerships and focused on delivering long-term impact.
“At its core, this project is about lives, it is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive,” he said.
