FIC Report (Abia State) – In a bold move to reposition Abia State as a medical and agro-economic powerhouse, Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, will officially flag off the construction of the Abia Medical City on July 10, 2025—a landmark $1.3 billion project aimed at reversing medical tourism not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a media briefing held at Government House, Umuahia.
Describing the Medical City as the “signature project” of the current administration, Prince Kanu said it will “transform Abia into a major hub for advanced medical services” with a planned 1,000-bed hospital, state-of-the-art medical equipment, a five-star hotel, and comprehensive accommodation for patients and families—all spread across 200 hectares.
The Commissioner revealed that the massive health infrastructure is being delivered through a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) partnership between the Abia State Government and MKP International Holdings, with the state contributing land, logistics, and its sterling reputation for reforms. The access road to the site is already nearing completion, and the facility is projected to be delivered within 24 months.
In addition to the medical megaproject, 11 rural roads and 3 agro-logistics hubs/markets under the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) will soon be flagged off across the state.
“These projects will span the three senatorial zones and all 17 Local Government Areas,” Kanu noted, stressing the wide-reaching impact on rural communities. The markets will be sited in:
Obinto (Arochukwu LGA)
Uzuakoli (Bende LGA)
Ndoru (Ikwuano LGA)
The Commissioner stated that the Abia State Government has already paid ₦4.1 billion as counterpart funding for the RAAMP projects—an indication of Governor Otti’s unwavering dedication to grassroots development and agricultural transformation.
On ongoing road rehabilitation efforts, Prince Kanu disclosed that 48 road maintenance and rehabilitation sites are currently active across the state through direct labour. Among these, two projects have recently been completed:
Agbama-Okwu-Olokoro-Umuahia South Road
Nkwoegwu-Afugiri-Umuyota Road (Umuahia North LGA)
Three new roads have also been added to the maintenance roster:
Ozuama Spot–Corpers’ Lodge Road
Asphalt overlay of Abiriba Roundabout to Orie Akwu Junction
Senator Adolphus Wabara’s Road off IBB-Ahiaeke Road, Umuahia
These undertakings underscore the Otti-led administration’s commitment to a holistic development model that prioritizes health, agriculture, rural infrastructure, and social welfare in building a New Abia.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
24-06-2025
