Lucy
The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Federal Government of Nigeria and Abia State Government, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, a $263.8 million initiative to upgrade urban infrastructure in Umuahia and Aba.
The project will rehabilitate over 248km of roads, restore erosion sites, and boost solid waste management through public-private partnerships. It is expected to create over 4,000 jobs, with specific targets for women and youth employment.
AfDB is contributing $115 million, IsDB $125 million, and the Federal Government $23.8 million in counterpart funding.
Speaking at the launch, Gov. Alex Otti said, “The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision… Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact.”
Dr. Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Nigeria Director-General, said the project will “reduce travel time by half, increase incomes, and improve access to schools and hospitals.”
The project also includes social safeguards such as youth training, women entrepreneurship
, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Government of Abia State have jointly launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, a $263.8 million partnership aimed at transforming urban infrastructure across the state.){kind=link}