ABSIIDP ASSURES OF SPEEDY, QUALITY WORK AS GOV. OTTI FLAGS OFF CCECC-AWARDED URATTA, OLD EXPRESS ROADS IN ABA
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has flagged off the reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express Roads in Aba, declaring that the projects represent the final frontier in the first phase of his administration’s road infrastructure restoration programme for the commercial city.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, marked the commencement of Lot 1 of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIIDP), covering the reconstruction of the two strategic roads with a combined length of 7.1 kilometres. The contracts were awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti disclosed that the reconstruction of the roads would help bring an end to decades of infrastructure deterioration that had affected businesses, livelihoods, security and the commercial reputation of Aba.
The governor explained that the projects comprise 3.95 kilometres of Old Express Road and 3.15 kilometres of Uratta Road. Old Express Road runs from Port Harcourt Road, while Uratta Road stretches from Port Harcourt Road to the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.
He expressed confidence that the completion of the projects would improve connectivity, restore commercial activities and strengthen Aba’s position as a major commercial and industrial hub in southeastern Nigeria.
Governor Otti recalled that the deterioration of major roads in Aba had forced some business owners to relocate their investments, resulting in job losses, reduced commercial activities and other economic challenges for residents.
He, however, assured the people that the story was changing, stating that the resources required to finance the various phases of the projects had been secured to prevent funding-related delays.
According to the governor, the projects are expected to be completed within approximately 24 months or less, although improvements to the condition of the roads would begin as construction progresses.
He expressed confidence in CCECC’s capacity to deliver the projects, citing the company’s record in executing major infrastructure works for the state.
The governor also directed the project team to maintain regular engagement with residents, landlords, business owners and other stakeholders to address concerns that may arise during construction. He assured the public that international best practices in civil construction and resettlement procedures would be observed.
Governor Otti further called on residents and businesses along the affected corridors to cooperate with the contractor and project team to ensure the smooth execution of the works.
He explained that the roads are part of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, launched in July 2025 as a long-term development initiative involving the Abia State Government, the Federal Government, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Canadian Climate Fund (CCF).
The governor noted that efforts to establish ABSIID began before his administration, but his government was able to unlock the necessary funding to facilitate implementation. He commended the African Development Bank, the Federal Government, represented at the ceremony by Dr. Adebola Bejide-Akande, and other development partners for their support.
Governor Otti also commended the ABSIID team in Abia State for the hard work that had brought the projects to the implementation stage, urging members to intensify their efforts as construction activities gathered momentum.
He stressed that the commencement of construction required sustained attention, commitment and effective supervision to achieve the desired results.
“The reward for a good work is more work,” the governor stated, encouraging the team to double its efforts and remain focused on the successful delivery of the projects. He also urged members to promptly communicate areas where government intervention might be required to improve project outcomes.
Reflecting on his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Aba, Governor Otti reiterated the message of his 2023 election campaign, declaring that the promised help had arrived and that efforts to restore the city’s infrastructure and economic vitality were continuing.
Meanwhile, the ABSIIDP Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Ndudim Ononiwu, has assured residents and business owners that the reconstruction projects would be executed in accordance with approved engineering specifications and quality standards.
Engr. Dr. Ononiwu, who spoke during the flag-off ceremony, described the commencement of the projects as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve infrastructure, strengthen economic activities and create a more conducive environment for businesses and residents.
He commended Governor Otti for his vision, leadership and determination in moving ABSIIDP from the planning stage to actual implementation.
The coordinator explained that the importance of the projects extended beyond road construction, noting that durable infrastructure supported by effective drainage systems and appropriate engineering standards was essential to improving urban mobility and addressing environmental challenges.
He assured the governor that the ABSIIDP coordination team would work with relevant government institutions, consultants and CCECC to ensure compliance with approved specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.
He also urged the contractor and technical teams to demonstrate professionalism, diligence and a strong commitment to quality, stressing that the public resources invested in the projects must deliver lasting and measurable benefits.
Engr. Dr. Ononiwu further appealed to residents, business operators, host communities and road users to cooperate with the project teams to facilitate the smooth execution of the construction works.
In a related development, the ABSIIDP Procurement Officer, Iheanyi Nnodimele Paragon, has disclosed that CCECC emerged as the successful contractor for the reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express Roads following a public bidding process conducted in line with international standards of procurement.
Paragon, who spoke to newsmen during the flag-off ceremony, stated that the bidding process provided an opportunity to assess prospective contractors, adding that CCECC was found to be the most suitable company for the project.
He explained that the selection followed the public procurement process, underscoring the importance of competitive bidding in identifying contractors considered capable of delivering infrastructure projects in line with established requirements.
The reconstruction of the two roads is expected to improve access to businesses and adjoining communities, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and support the activities of traders, manufacturers, artisans and transport operators who depend on the routes.
The projects form part of ABSIIDP’s broader infrastructure development objectives, which include road construction, urban mobility, drainage and erosion control across Abia State.
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