Otti’s Road Projects Strengthen Aba’s Economic Revival – Uzoukwa

The flag-off of the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, has been described as another significant step in Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to restore Aba’s status as a major commercial and industrial centre in the South-East.

The two road projects, covering approximately 7.09 kilometres, are expected to improve connectivity, support businesses and contribute to the economic recovery of Abia State. According to Ebere Uzoukwa, the projects reflect the Otti administration’s focus on infrastructure development and results-driven governance.

Uzoukwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, said the projects have a delivery timeline of 24 months or less, adding that the assurance of funding has renewed confidence among residents and business owners.

He noted that the poor condition of major roads in Aba over the past two decades had imposed significant costs on residents, traders, manufacturers and investors, contributing to business relocations, job losses and declining commercial activity.

According to him, the ongoing reconstruction programme is aimed at reversing the trend by improving transportation, restoring livelihoods, attracting investment and reconnecting communities to economic opportunities.

He said the Uratta and Old Express Road projects build on previous interventions on Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Obohia Road and other strategic routes across the city.

Uzoukwa added that the administration’s commitment to Aba forms part of a broader development agenda covering Ukwa La Ngwa and other parts of Abia State.

He maintained that communities in Aba and its surrounding areas, which have experienced years of infrastructural challenges, are receiving attention through the government’s ongoing transformation programme.

The governor’s aide stressed that rebuilding Aba requires more than the reconstruction of major roads, noting the importance of functional internal roads, effective drainage systems, street lighting and improved transportation.

He added that better access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services would help make the city safer, improve living standards and create a more favourable environment for businesses and investors.

On equitable development, Uzoukwa said the New Abia agenda was designed to serve communities across the state, irrespective of senatorial district, local government area or political affiliation.

He explained that balanced development does not necessarily require identical projects in every community but demands that government respond fairly to local needs, prioritise neglected areas and ensure that no part of the state is excluded from development.

Uzoukwa also highlighted the role of strategic partnerships, including collaboration with the African Development Bank under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development programme (ABSIID), in mobilising resources and expertise for infrastructure delivery.

He said the objective was not simply to construct roads but to establish infrastructure capable of supporting commerce, stimulating investment and strengthening Abia State’s economic competitiveness over the long term.

According to him, the commencement of the Uratta and Old Express Road projects demonstrates the administration’s determination to translate commitments into visible results.

He urged sustained attention to construction quality, timely completion and engagement with residents and businesses affected by the projects.

Uzoukwa concluded that the transformation of Aba and the wider state must be inclusive, measurable and sustainable, adding that the government’s responsibility extends beyond road construction to restoring public confidence, reviving economic prosperity and ensuring that communities across Abia have opportunities to progress.

Dr Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.