The Abia State Government says it is intensifying efforts to modernise transportation and drive urban development through a proposed railway project in Umuahia and other infrastructure initiatives.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, discussions between the state government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation have reached an advanced stage, with plans underway for a new railway station to be constructed in the state capital.
He explained that the proposed station would be located near the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and designed as a modern transport hub combining rail services with commercial and retail facilities.
“The proposed train station will be situated close to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and will be developed as a modern urban rail corridor integrated with commercial and retail activities,” Kanu said.
He added that supporting infrastructure, including access roads, would be constructed to improve movement and connectivity within the area.
As part of broader urban renewal efforts, Kanu disclosed that arrangements had been completed for the relocation of traders from Isi Gate to the Relief Market in Afara. He said compensation had been paid to affected landowners, while perimeter fencing and retaining wall construction were already ongoing.
“All arrangements for the relocation have been concluded,” he stated, noting that the move was part of efforts to decongest the city and improve orderliness.
The commissioner also revealed that plans were in progress to relocate commercial vehicles from Okigwe Park to the newly built bus terminal, while temporary arrangements had been made for traders during the transition period.
He further said the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal was nearing completion and would soon be commissioned alongside other components of the state’s transport reform agenda, including the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Scheme.
“These include charging stations, ticketing facilities, junction improvements, and strategically located bus shelters across Umuahia,” he said.
According to him, the full rollout of the transport system would position Umuahia among Nigerian cities with modern and efficient public mobility infrastructure.
“When fully operational, the central bus terminal and the Green Bus Shuttle Service will place Umuahia among cities with organised and efficient transport systems,” Kanu added.
Kanu also noted that several projects undertaken by the Greater Ohafia Development Authority were ready for inauguration, including road networks and a new daily market.
He disclosed that groundwork for a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia was scheduled to begin on April 21, 2026, describing it as a collaborative project between the state and the Federal Ministry of Housing.
Reacting to concerns about ownership of the housing project, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the initiative was a joint effort.
“The most important thing is the active involvement of Abia State in the project. We are not in any form of contest over ownership,” he said, dismissing contrary claims as politically motivated.
