By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has urged for a transparent and professional investigation into the reported structural props failure at the Ekeoha Market construction site in Aba, Abia State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, has stirred public concern over the quality and safety of ongoing infrastructure projects in the state. FENRAD, a leading civil society group focused on environmental rights and good governance, commended the Abia State Government for its prompt response in setting up an Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) through the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA).
According to the organization, the committee must uphold principles of transparency and accountability by ensuring the probe is conducted credibly and in line with professional standards. It further emphasized that public infrastructure must meet strict safety and environmental guidelines, and that even minor incidents should be fully investigated to prevent future occurrences.
The Foundation specifically called on members of the committee—including representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), and Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)—to perform an evidence-based assessment and publicly release their findings in order to strengthen public trust.
FENRAD also advised GADA and relevant regulatory bodies to intensify oversight and compliance checks on major urban development projects, particularly within the Greater Aba region, to avoid a repeat of such incidents.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable, safe, and accountable construction and environmental practices across Abia State and Nigeria.
— Newspot Nigeria
Original Statement (Full Text)
PRESS RELEASE
Date: October 23, 2025
Subject: FENRAD Calls for Transparent and Professional Investigation into Ekeoha Market Construction Incident in Aba
The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental rights and good governance advocacy organization, has expressed concern over the recent props failure reported at a section of the ongoing Ekeoha Market construction project in Aba, Abia State, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
While commending the Abia State Government for its swift action in setting up an Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) through the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), FENRAD calls for a transparent, credible, and professionally executed investigation into the incident.
The organization emphasizes that public infrastructure projects must adhere strictly to safety and environmental standards, and that any incident involving construction failure—however minor—demands full disclosure and accountability from all parties involved.
FENRAD urges the investigation committee, which includes representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), and Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), to conduct a thorough, evidence-based assessment and to make its findings public in the interest of public trust, safety, and transparency.
The Foundation also calls on GADA and all relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen oversight and compliance monitoring mechanisms to prevent future occurrences, particularly in large-scale urban development projects within the Greater Aba region.
FENRAD remains committed to advocating for safe, sustainable, and accountable urban development practices in Abia State and across Nigeria.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
Email: [email protected] | Phone: +234 (0)8033383708
