The Abia State Government has restated its commitment to transportation modernisation, urban renewal, and housing development, with a proposed railway project in Umuahia forming a major part of its infrastructure plans.The State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, gave the update on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Oge Christopher, Assistant Head of Department (Information), Kanu said talks between the state government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation had progressed significantly toward the development of a new train station in Umuahia. He noted that the proposed facility would be sited near the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and designed as a modern rail hub, integrated with commercial and retail spaces. “The proposed train station will be located adjacent to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and will feature a modern urban railway corridor integrated with retail and commercial activities,” he said.
He also explained that supporting access roads would be constructed to improve movement and connectivity in the area.On urban renewal efforts, Kanu said the Umuahia Capital Development Authority had completed plans to relocate traders from Isi Gate to the Relief Market in Afara. “All arrangements for the relocation have been concluded,” he stated, adding that compensation had already been paid to affected property owners, while fencing and retaining wall projects were ongoing.
He further disclosed that commercial vehicles would be moved from Okigwe Park to the new bus terminal, while traders would temporarily use the park space until the Afara market is fully ready. According to him, the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is near completion and will soon be commissioned alongside facilities linked to the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Scheme. These include charging stations, ticketing areas, improved junctions, and strategically placed bus shelters across the city.
“When fully operational, the new central bus terminal and the Green Bus Shuttle Service will position Umuahia among leading cities in Nigeria with modern and efficient public transportation systems,” he said. Kanu also noted that several projects by the Greater Ohafia Development Authority are ready for inauguration, including road works and a new daily market in Ohafia.
He added that construction work on a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2026, as part of a joint effort between the state and federal government. Responding to suggestions that the project was solely federal, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the Abia State Government remains a key partner in the initiative. “The most important thing is the involvement of Abia State… we are not dragging anything with them,” he said, dismissing opposing claims as political.
Source: https://punchng.com/
