FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Government has launched sweeping measures to strengthen urban development and public safety by making soil and geotechnical testing compulsory for all new building approvals in Umuahia,while unveiling major plans to modernise markets, intensify road rehabilitation, tackle flooding and curb building collapse across the state.
The far-reaching decisions were announced after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, underscoring the administration’s determination to enforce higher construction standards, protect lives and accelerate infrastructure renewal.
The decisions were announced by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Umuahia presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
In what marks one of the state’s strongest regulatory responses to recent incidents of building collapse, the government directed that every developer seeking a building permit must first obtain soil and geotechnical testing certificates to ensure that structures are designed and constructed on foundations capable of supporting them.
Prince Kanu explained that the policy is aimed at improving structural integrity, preventing building collapse and safeguarding the lives and property of residents.
“Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have a soil test and geotechnical test certificate. Buildings must be designed and constructed in line with soil capabilities to guarantee safety,” he stated.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has also intensified the desilting of drainage channels across flood-prone parts of the capital city to minimise flooding during the rainy season.
Areas currently benefiting from the exercise include Adelabu Street, Shoprite-Uwalaka axis, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church-Ndume Ibeku Road, Church of Christ Road and Finbarrs Road.
As part of the Governor Alex Otti administration’s urban renewal agenda, Prince Kanu announced that the government is undertaking a comprehensive review of markets within Umuahia, including the Ogwumabiri Market at Ossah, with plans to renovate, modernise and, where necessary, relocate them to more suitable locations.
He further revealed that the tendering process for the Pocket Estate Layout in Umuahia has been concluded, adding that successful contractors for the project would be announced during the week.
On road infrastructure, the Commissioner said the Ministry of Works is currently executing direct labour road maintenance at 46 locations across the state.
He disclosed that three road maintenance projects have already been completed, namely the failed section of Nkwoagu Junction-Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of Akara Junction-Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato LGA and the rehabilitation of Mazi Okoro Avenue in Obinkita, Arochukwu LGA.
According to him, rainy season maintenance has also commenced on the Opopo Junction-Azumini-Obehe Road, a federal road linking the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as the access roads to Obingwa General Hospital and the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
Although 26 major road projects remain under contract, Prince Kanu noted that persistent rainfall has slowed construction activities in some locations.
He also announced that Governor Alex Otti has approved immediate intervention to tackle the long-standing erosion menace affecting Emede Ibeku Community through the UCDA.
The Commissioner further disclosed that work is progressing steadily at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, where perimeter fencing and internal road construction have been completed.
Responding to questions on the recent building collapse in Umuahia, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, assured residents that the panel investigating the incident would submit its report this week.
He said the affected building has been sealed while government awaits the panel’s findings before taking appropriate action, adding that a structural integrity testing facility has already been established to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, declared that the government would enforce building regulations more rigorously than ever before.
He called on developers, property owners and members of the public to comply fully with approved construction standards, stressing that the state would no longer tolerate violations capable of endangering lives and property.
Sir Ekeoma urged residents to partner with government by reporting non-compliance, emphasizing that the Alex Otti administration remains committed to enforcing strict building standards, promoting orderly urban development and delivering a safer, more resilient and modern Abia State.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
22nd July, 2026.
