Governor Otti Unveils Ambitious $1.3 Billion Medical City, Rural Development and Sanitation Agenda for Abia’s Future

 

A groundbreaking transformation is taking shape in Abia State, as Governor Alex Otti prepares to officially launch the highly anticipated Abia Medical City on July 10, 2025. The announcement, delivered by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a recent press briefing in Umuahia, signals a major leap forward in the state’s healthcare vision.

Positioned as a cornerstone project of the Otti administration, the Abia Medical City is designed to redefine the delivery of medical services across Nigeria and the broader West African region. The project spans over 200 hectares and will feature a 1,000-bed hospital, a five-star hotel, and residential quarters for patients and their families. It aims to shift the narrative on medical tourism, reversing the current trend that sees Nigerians seeking treatment abroad.

This ambitious initiative is being executed through a Build-Upgrade-Transfer (BUT) model, in partnership with MKP International Holdings. The state government’s contribution involves providing the land as equity, while the private sector will handle construction and eventual operational management before transfer.

According to Kanu, road access to the project site is nearing completion, with full project delivery expected within 24 months. He described the project as a "signature development" that would elevate the state's position as a regional hub for quality healthcare and boost socio-economic growth through job creation, medical training, and allied services.

Development efforts are not limited to healthcare. The State Executive Council has approved an extensive infrastructure initiative under the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). This involves the launch of 11 rural roads and the establishment of three agro-logistics markets in different parts of the state. These markets are set to be located in Obinto (Arochukwu), Eke Uzuakoli (Bende), and Ndioro (Ikwuano).

All 17 local government areas will benefit from the rural road projects, reflecting a deliberate strategy to integrate remote communities into the mainstream economy. The administration has so far paid ₦4.1 billion in counterpart funding for RAAMP, which the commissioner highlighted as proof of the governor’s unwavering focus on infrastructure-led rural development.

Sanitation and environmental reforms are also gaining traction. On June 26, the government will formally reintroduce the long-absent sanitary inspectors, locally known as Ndi Ole Ala. The program will kick off in Umuahia and be rolled out across all LGAs, with the goal of reinforcing public hygiene practices at the community level.

Complementing this initiative, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has expanded its waste management network by adding 26 newly fabricated waste bins across the state's three sanitary zones. These receptacles, produced by Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba, will aid in managing solid waste and mitigating the risk of flooding as the rainy season progresses.

Kanu revealed that ASEPA’s recent performance has earned it recognition as the most impactful agency in the state. An independent survey conducted by Flo FM and Obioma FM affirmed its visible role in maintaining urban cleanliness and environmental order.

The state’s commitment to robust road infrastructure is equally evident. A total of 48 direct labour road projects are currently underway. Notably, the administration has completed the Ahiama-Umueka-oku-Olokoro Road in Umuahia South (1 kilometre) and the 11.4-kilometre Nkwegu-Afugiri-Umueyata Road in Umuahia North.

Additional projects have been initiated, including the 400-metre Ozuama Spur through Kopas lodge in Umuahia North, the 3.3-kilometre Abiriba Roundabout to Uriakwa Junction in Aba, and the 120-metre Senator Adolphus Nwagbara road off IBB-Ahiaeke Road in Umuahia. These projects reflect a strategy of combining short-term results with long-term connectivity.

Security concerns were not overlooked. Addressing a recent cult-related incident in Umuahia, Kanu disclosed that a man was attacked with a machete around Imo Lane by suspected cultists. Quick response from the state’s special task force, Operation Crush, led to the arrest of a suspect. He confirmed that one gang member was fatally struck by a warning shot while fleeing, countering rumors that the victim was an innocent civilian.

The commissioner emphasized that transparency remains central to the current administration’s approach. From health and roads to environmental protection and safety, the government intends to maintain open communication and provide regular updates as developments unfold.

Governor Otti’s administration appears to be laying the foundation for a new era in Abia State, one built on innovation, inclusive growth, and strategic infrastructure investments. As the July 10 launch date for the Abia Medical City draws closer, expectations are high that the project will not only redefine healthcare delivery but also signal a broader socio-economic revival.