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$263.8M Windfall: Abia on the Verge of Unprecedented Roads and Infrastructure Upgrade”
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has unveiled a $263.8 million integrated infrastructure development project in Abia State, designed to modernise urban facilities and rehabilitate over 248 kilometres of roads across Umuahia and Aba.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the bank confirmed that the project—officially launched on July 11, 2025—is being executed in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Abia State Government.
According to the statement, “The African Development Bank, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government, and Abia State, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project on 11 July 2025. The project is a transformative $263.8 million initiative to modernise urban infrastructure, improve mobility, and promote inclusive, climate‑resilient development.”
Funding details show that the AfDB is contributing $115 million—with $100 million from its ADB window and $15 million from the Canada‑AfDB Climate Fund—while the IsDB is co‑financing with $125 million. The Federal Government is providing $23.8 million in counterpart funding.
The initiative targets critical gaps in urban transport, erosion control, and waste management that have long hampered movement, public health, and economic productivity in Umuahia and Aba. In addition to rehabilitating more than 248 km of roads, the project will restore two major erosion sites and drive private sector participation in waste management through public‑private partnerships.
The AfDB noted that Abia, like many fast‑growing regions, faces ageing infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and environmental pressures that strain both public health and economic activity. This integrated project is expected to address those challenges through sustainable infrastructure renewal.
At the launch event, Governor Alex Otti described the initiative as a turning point in Abia’s development journey.
“The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision. We are committed to raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact,” he said.
The project is expected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during construction—30% of which will be allocated to women—and about 1,000 permanent jobs in its operational phase. Half of these roles are reserved for young people, who will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps, a programme engaging local engineers from all 17 LGAs in the state.
Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director‑General of AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, said the project is built on partnership and long‑term impact:
“At its core, this project is about people—reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive.”
The initiative also incorporates social and environmental safeguards, including training programmes for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement assistance, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and improvements to procurement and financial management systems.
Dr. Akande Oyebola, Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, described the project as a major step toward boosting growth and improving living standards in Abia. He stressed that it reflects a shared commitment to national development goals.
Similarly, Otumchere Oti, Abia State’s Commissioner for Works, assured stakeholders of transparency, accountability, and rigorous monitoring throughout implementation.
The AfDB concluded that it will continue providing technical support, capacity building, and close supervision through its Nigeria Country Department and sector teams, underscoring that the initiative forms part of its broader mission to drive inclusive, sustainable infrastructure investment across Nigeria.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is allowed to participate fully.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Friday.
He criticised the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition parties and attempting to weaken potential challengers ahead of the election.
Amaechi argued that regardless of whether the election is free or flawed, Tinubu would be defeated if credible opposition candidates are on the ballot.
He also dismissed interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling suggesting the opposition was leaderless, insisting that such claims misrepresent the law.
According to him, the government is working to prevent strong opponents from emerging by using institutions, including the judiciary, to influence party structures.
Amaechi called on authorities to allow political institutions to function independently and ensure that all parties can field candidates without interference.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately decide at the polls, questioning the administration’s chances amid economic challenges and ongoing insecurity.
“How can he win with the current state of the economy and security situation?” he asked.
Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the telecom operator said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments driven by evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with current industry standards.
He added that the suspension aligns with broader efforts to meet regulatory and operational guidelines governing telecom services in the country.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that normal services remain unaffected, noting that subscribers can still purchase airtime and data through regular channels.
The company further stated that the temporary pause will not impact network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the decision as necessary and responsible.
He said: “This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Airtel added that further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.
The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based telecom services in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the development was announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The 2026 budget provides a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. Tinubu also approved the extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Of the total budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion to debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.2 trillion to capital projects under the Development Fund.
With capital spending accounting for about 50 percent, the budget reflects the administration’s focus on economic stability, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocation structure is designed to balance statutory commitments, debt obligations, recurrent costs, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards.
The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026.
The extension is expected to ensure full utilisation of funds for ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the country.
It will also allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete ongoing projects, improve execution rates, and maximise public spending value.
With the 2026 Appropriation Act taking effect from April 1, the Federal Government is set to begin full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline, and efficiency in the use of allocated resources, stressing value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, and reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature in driving national development.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms, stronger revenue generation, job creation, and expanded social protection programmes.
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