By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a $125 million financing facility from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.
The initiative, which has a total cost of $263.80 million, will be co-financed by the African Development Bank ($100 million), the Canada–Africa Development Bank ($15 million), and counterpart funding from the Abia State Government ($23.80 million).
According to details released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, the IsDB portion will fund the construction of about 126 kilometers of road network in Aba and 35.57 kilometers in Umuahia, including a vital link road between the two cities. The project will also tackle critical erosion threats, create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advance climate change mitigation strategies.
FENRAD described the development as a potential game-changer for economic growth, service delivery, and quality of life in Abia State. However, the organization stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability during implementation.
Key Recommendations from FENRAD:
1. Transparent and Competitive Bidding – All contracts should be awarded through open procurement aligned with international best practices to prevent corruption and ensure quality.
2. Inclusion of Civil Society in Oversight – CSOs, CBOs, and professional associations should be part of the State Steering Committee and monitoring bodies to provide grassroots-informed oversight.
3. Proactive Disclosure of Information – In line with Abia’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitments and Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, the government should regularly publish project designs, procurement plans, awarded contracts, disbursement schedules, environmental and social impact assessments, and independent audit reports.
FENRAD further commended Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for his political will in driving massive infrastructure development and finalizing arrangements for the project’s execution. The group urged media, civil society, and Abia residents to actively track the project’s progress and ensure timely delivery.
The full statement from FENRAD is reproduced below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FENRAD Commends President for Approving $125 Million IsDB Facility for Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project
Calls for Competitive Bidding, Civil Society Inclusion, and Proactive Disclosure in Line with OGP Commitments
Aba, Nigeria – August 15, 2025 – The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) An Environmental & Human Rights Advocacy Organization commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the approval of a USD 125 million financing facility from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in support of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.
This milestone marks a significant commitment to rebuilding and upgrading critical infrastructure in Abia State—spanning transportation, water and sanitation, urban development, and environmental management. FENRAD views this as a potential game-changer for economic growth, service delivery, and improved quality of life for Abia residents.
According to a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, the Project total cost is USD 263.80 million comprising:
USD 125 million from Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
USD 100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB)
USD 15 million from the Canada – Africa Development Bank
USD 23.80 million counterpart funding from the Abia State Government
Under this project, the IsDB financing will support the construction of approximately 126 kilometers of road network in Aba and 35.57 kilometers in Umuahia, including a link road between the two cities, as well as address critical erosion, create jobs, and address greenhouse emissions and other climate change mitigation strategies. The investment will also attract private sector involvement and partnership in the project implementation.
As implementation commences, FENRAD urges both the Federal Government and the Government of Abia State to uphold the highest standards of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and public accountability.
Specifically, FENRAD calls for:
1. A Transparent and Competitive Bidding Process
All contracts and subcontracts awarded under this facility must follow an open and competitive procurement process that aligns with international best practices. This is essential to prevent corruption, ensure quality delivery, and guarantee value for public funds.
2. Inclusion of Civil Society in Oversight Structures
FENRAD strongly recommends that independent civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and professional associations be included in the State Steering Committee and other relevant monitoring mechanisms. Their participation will provide credible, grassroots-informed oversight and strengthen public confidence in the project.
3. Proactive Disclosure of Project Information
In keeping with Abia State’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and its obligations under Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, FENRAD calls for timely and proactive disclosure of all project-related information. This includes:
- Project designs and timelines
- Procurement plans and awarded contracts
- Disbursement schedules
- Environmental and social impact assessments
- Independent audit and progress reports
Making these documents publicly available through government portals and regular stakeholder briefings will reinforce public ownership and ensure continuous civic engagement.
FENRAD remains committed to promoting sustainable development, fiscal integrity, and participatory governance. We will continue to monitor the implementation of this project and advocate for transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement at all stages.
Finally, we commend the political will of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for the massive infrastructure development in the state and finalizing the implementation of this facility. We encourage all stakeholders in the media, civil society organizations, and especially the people of Abia State, to remain actively engaged in tracking the progress of this initiative and its timely implementation.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 803 338 3708, 0706 294 9232
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
About FENRAD:
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental justice, human rights, fiscal transparency, and good governance through grassroots mobilization, research, policy advocacy, and fiscal accountability.
This report is published by Newspot Nigeria in the public interest.
