…Federal-State Partnership Driving Infrastructure Revolution, Economic Growth in Abia — Sunday Dare

A high-powered Presidential Media Team under the Renewed Hope National Media Tour Initiative has commended the transformative impact of key Federal Government projects in Abia State, describing them as critical interventions that are enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, housing, transportation, and economic growth across the South-East region.

The team, which visited ongoing and completed projects executed through the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, noted that the projects are not only benefiting Abia residents but are also serving millions of Nigerians across neighbouring states.

The Presidency has therefore commended the remarkable transformation taking place in Abia State under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. They describe the state’s numerous development as a shining example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments can accelerate national development and improve the lives of citizens.

This commendation came at the conclusion of the two-day Renewed Hope National Media Tour undertaken by a high-powered Presidential Media Team led by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare.
The media tour, which took journalists and government officials across strategic federal and state-owned projects in Abia, showcased the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the growing partnership between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government in delivering critical infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
At the heart of the tour was the rehabilitation of the Abia Tower–Aba section of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most strategic interstate highways funded through the Federal Government’s Sukuk programme.
The road serves as a vital economic corridor linking Abia, Imo, Rivers, Ebonyi and Enugu States, facilitating the movement of goods, services and millions of commuters across the South-East and South-South regions.
Speaking during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, described the project as a critical economic lifeline for businesses, farmers, transport operators and investors.
According to him, the road features modern engineering specifications, including an extensive service lane designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic and the unique environmental challenges associated with Aba’s terrain.
He noted that the expressway forms part of a broader 56.1-kilometre federal road network incorporating multiple carriageways aimed at enhancing safety, reducing travel time and boosting economic activities.

Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stated that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope Media Tour reflects the cordial and productive relationship existing between the Federal Government and Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

According to him, the growing partnership has continued to attract critical development projects to the state, including the airport project, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and other interventions spread across the 17 local government areas.

Prince Kanu emphasized that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the people, accelerate infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards across the state.

The Presidential Team also inspected the ongoing Abia International Airport Project at Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, a landmark initiative jointly executed by the Federal Government and the Abia State Government.
The airport, initially conceived as a cargo facility, was upgraded to an international airport to position Abia as a major aviation, logistics and investment hub in the South-East.
Addressing journalists at the project site, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that the airport occupies over 1,025 hectares of land acquired by the state on behalf of the Federal Government.
He explained that while the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, the Federal Government is undertaking the construction of the terminal building.
The Commissioner further revealed that compensation for landowners within the runway corridor has been fully paid, while compensation processes for other affected areas are nearing completion.
The Airport Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, Pastor Okorougo Aji, expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the projected timeline, noting that significant progress has already been recorded with extensive earthworks, runway clearing, cutting, filling and compaction activities currently ongoing.
Another major federal intervention showcased during the tour was the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project being executed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The two seperate housing schemes in Umuahia and Onuinya Bende, comprise 200 housing units each. The FHA Umuahia project is on 100 hectares of land provided by the Abia State Government and also forms part of President Tinubu’s nationwide strategy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.

The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, improve housing access and enhance the quality of life of residents.
Speaking during the tour, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, noted that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour was a testament to the cordial and productive relationship existing between President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Alex Otti’s government.
According to him, the partnership has continued to attract critical federal interventions into the state while complementing the administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal programme.
Beyond the federal projects, the Presidential Media Team witnessed a series of transformative state-funded projects that have reshaped the infrastructure landscape of Abia State.

Among them is the 67-kilometre Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba–Ohafia Road, a major arterial highway entirely reconstructed by the Abia State Government after decades of neglect.
The road now provides seamless connectivity between communities in Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones, opening up agrarian communities, facilitating trade and enhancing access to social services.
The team also inspected the newly reconstructed four-lane Tower–Onuimo Road, now named Dr. Uma Ukpai Road, the iconic Omenuko Bridge, the Ozuabam–Ndiokereke–Amuvi Road in Arochukwu, and the state-of-the-art Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

The Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal is designed as a modern transportation hub integrating different modes of transportation and improving passenger convenience and safety.
The Presidential delegation equally visited the ongoing power restoration project in Ohafia, where the Abia State Government has completed a 20-kilometre 33KV power line from Ihechiowa to Ebem, terminating at a newly installed 7.5MVA injection substation.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that the project is aimed at restoring electricity to communities that have remained in darkness for over eight years due to vandalism and infrastructure collapse.

He further revealed that the government is in the final stages of acquiring a majority stake in the Abia operations of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), a move expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the state.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, Mr. Sunday Dare described the scale of transformation in Abia as impressive and inspiring.
“It is really impressive to see that a state like Abia is experiencing this level of transformation. From roads to transportation, housing, electrification and other critical infrastructure, Governor Alex Otti is addressing the fundamentals of development.

“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government is commendable. Governance is about partnership, not political differences. When leaders focus on development instead of politics, the people benefit,” Dare stated.
He noted that the partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti demonstrates that sustainable development can be achieved when governments at different levels work together in the interest of the people.
Observers on the tour noted that the combination of strategic federal interventions and ambitious state-led projects is rapidly positioning Abia as one of Nigeria’s emerging destinations for investment, commerce, industrialisation and sustainable development.
As the Renewed Hope National Media Tour concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between the Presidency and the Abia State Government would continue to deliver transformative projects capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential and improving the welfare of its people.

From roads and housing to transportation, aviation and power infrastructure, the message from the Presidency was clear: Abia is witnessing a development renaissance driven by purposeful leadership, strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to progress.

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), has intensified efforts to strengthen regulation, accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s courier and logistics sector with the official flag-off of Postal Tagging on Waybills for parcels and logistics operations in Abia State.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport,Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu described the initiative as a major innovation capable of repositioning the transport and postal ecosystem in the state.

He noted that the partnership between NIPOST and Touch and Pay Technologies would introduce greater efficiency in payment systems, tracking and regulation of transport and logistics operations, particularly as the state government  partners them in interstate electric bus  transport operation payment system and informal logistics providers.
The Commissioner emphasized that the exercise would bring tremendous transformation to the postal system, assuring stakeholders that the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti would continue to support innovations that improve service delivery and institutional efficiency.

He urged transport unions, vehicle owners and informal operators to embrace the initiative for the overall benefit of the transport sector and the economy.

In her welcome address, the Abia State Postal Manager, Mrs. Winifred Ngozi Amadi, described the flag-off as a significant milestone in the modernization, regulation and digital transformation of parcel and logistics operations in Abia State.
Mrs. Amadi, who spoke on behalf of the Postmaster General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, explained that the collaboration between NIPOST and Touch and Pay Technologies was designed to address challenges in the informal logistics sector through enhanced revenue assurance, improved security in parcel management and a more efficient transportation and waybill system.

She stressed that the introduction of postal tagging on parcels and waybills goes beyond administrative processes, noting that it would improve traceability, standardization and confidence in the movement of goods from one destination to another while enhancing seamless postal and logistics operations.
According to her, Abia remains a major commercial hub in Nigeria with growing transportation and logistics activities, making a coordinated and technology-driven framework imperative.
Mrs. Amadi appreciated the support of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti and called on transport unions, operators and security agencies to cooperate with NIPOST to ensure the success of the programme. She further commended Touch and Pay Technologies for providing the innovation and digital solutions needed for seamless implementation.

In her goodwill message, the Head, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Abia State, and Chairman, Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE), Lady Abiakam Gloria Ifeyinwa, described the initiative as a strategic Federal Government intervention aimed at strengthening regulation, monitoring, accountability and revenue generation within the courier and logistics sector.

She said the flag-off carries significant federal weight as NIPOST remains a key Federal Government establishment driving reforms in postal and logistics services nationwide.
Lady Gloria commended the leadership of Mrs. Winifred Amadi and the collaboration with Touch and Pay Technologies for championing the innovation, noting that efficient logistics systems and digital tracking mechanisms have become critical to economic growth and national development.

She emphasized that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, improving service delivery and expanding economic opportunities.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE), Abia State, she , however, congratulated NIPOST on the milestone and assured continued institutional support for initiatives that promote national development, regulatory compliance and public confidence in government systems.

The event attracted key stakeholders in the transport and logistics sector, including government agencies, transport unions, security agencies and industry operators, all of whom pledged support for the successful implementation of the initiative in Abia State.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the Umuahia–Aba Expressway on schedule and to standard, as the project reaches 90 percent completion, with only 4.3 kilometres left.

The Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Chidi Uwaeziozi, gave the assurance while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of the project in Aba.
Responding to questions on whether the pace of work aligns with the project timeline, the Controller expressed satisfaction with the progress so far, noting that the construction has maintained a steady and commendable pace.

He disclosed that out of the total 56.1-kilometre stretch—from Umuahia Tower to Alaoji—a significant 51.8 kilometres has already been completed, leaving a balance of 4.3 kilometres.
On whether any aspects of the project could delay commissioning, Chidi Uwaeziozi acknowledged that minor sections still require attention but emphasized that they do not pose major risks to the delivery timeline.

Providing further insight into the project design, he explained that the stretch from Umuahia Tower to Osisioma Flyover is being executed as a dual carriageway, while the segment from Osisioma Flyover to Alaoji features a four-carriageway configuration to support increased vehicular movement.

Addressing concerns about construction standards, the Controller assured Nigerians that both the materials used and the workmanship meet established federal specifications. He reiterated that strict quality control measures are being adhered to throughout the execution of the project.

Chidi Uwaeziozi also commended the Federal Government for timely funding, which he said has been instrumental in sustaining the pace of work and ensuring that the project remains on track for completion.

He noted that upon completion, the expressway will significantly enhance connectivity, ease transportation, and boost economic activities across Abia State and beyond.