By Newspot Nigeria Staff Reporter
Umuahia, Abia State — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a leading civil society organization, has called for full disclosure and transparency in the ongoing rehabilitation of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road recently flagged off by the Abia State Government.
While commending Governor Alex Otti for prioritizing the long-neglected federal route, FENRAD said that clarity on funding sources, contract sum, procurement process, and oversight framework remains necessary to ensure accountability and value for money.
The 25-kilometre highway, which connects Abia State to neighbouring Akwa Ibom, has remained in a deplorable condition for years, affecting business activity, market access, and transportation.
FENRAD noted that although the State Government’s intervention aligns with public interest, it is important to formally clarify the legal framework guiding state execution of works on a federal road, especially regarding funding, cost-sharing, or possible reimbursement arrangements with the Federal Government.
The organisation also highlighted the need for environmental and social impact safeguards, given the scale of rehabilitation work and its effect on surrounding communities and farmlands.
FENRAD further encouraged the Abia State House of Assembly, civil society groups, and the media to maintain proactive monitoring from project commencement to completion.
PRESS RELEASE
FENRAD Seeks Transparency on Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road Rehabilitation Project: Commend Govr Otti on Infrastructure Drive
Umuahia, Abia State — October 28, 2025
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a prominent & leading civil society organization, has called for comprehensive disclosure of key details surrounding the recently flagged-off Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road Rehabilitation Project by the Abia State Government.
While FENRAD welcomes and applauds Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to rehabilitate the long-neglected 25-kilometre stretch of this economically vital corridor, the organisation urges clarity, accountability, and transparency must accompany the execution of the project — particularly given that the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road remains a federal highway under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Key Concerns
FENRAD, after reviewing available public information, notes that several fundamental issues remain unclear:
- Contract Sum and Funding Source:
There has been no public disclosure of the total contract value or the funding framework guiding the rehabilitation. FENRAD seeks clarification on whether the project is being financed solely from the Abia State treasury, federal allocations, or under the NNPCL Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme previously associated with the project. - Contract Details and Procurement Process:
The Foundation seeks information on the contractor(s), procurement method used, project duration (reportedly 18 months), and quality specifications. - Legal and Institutional Oversight:
FENRAD calls for official clarification on the legal arrangement allowing state execution on a federal road, including reimbursement or cost-sharing agreements. - Environmental and Social Impact:
FENRAD urges compliance with environmental and social impact procedures, particularly on drainage design, waste disposal, vegetation management, and community protection.
FENRAD’s Position
“FENRAD supports every genuine effort to rebuild our infrastructure and restore dignity to our people’s movement,” the statement reads. “However, given the road’s federal status and the magnitude of the financial commitment implied, government owes it to the citizens to ensure that every naira spent is properly accounted for.”
FENRAD also urges proactive oversight by the Abia State House of Assembly, civil society, and the media.
Call to Action
FENRAD therefore urges the Abia State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to:
- Publish the contract sum, funding source, and project timeline;
- Make public the procurement details and contracting firm(s) involved;
- Outline a monitoring and evaluation framework;
- Ensure community engagement and environmental safeguards.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
🏁 About FENRAD
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) is a non-profit organisation committed to environmental justice, transparency, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Published by Newspot Nigeria
