The Abia State Government has reached an advanced stage of discussions with the Nigerian Railway Corporation for the construction of a new train station in Umuahia, a development expected to boost business growth and improve urban connectivity in the state capital. Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, stating that the proposed train station would be located adjacent to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal.
According to Kanu, the new facility will feature an integrated urban rail corridor with commercial and retail activities aimed at boosting business growth in the area. Some access roads would also be constructed to improve connectivity to the station and surrounding communities. The commissioner further disclosed that the state government, through the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, had intensified efforts to relocate traders from the Isi-Gate area to the newly developed Relief Market at Afara, with compensation fully paid to affected landowners.
From an economic development perspective, the railway station project aligns with broader efforts to modernise public transportation infrastructure in Abia State. Kanu noted that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal had been completed and was ready for commissioning, with all supporting infrastructure for the Umuahia Green Bus Service Scheme, including charging stations, ticketing points, junction improvement works, and bus shelters, put in place. He expressed optimism that the bus terminal and green transport system would position Umuahia among leading cities in Nigeria.
The Greater Aba Development Authority has also completed several projects ready for inauguration, including roads and a newly constructed daily market. The state government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing, has concluded arrangements for the groundbreaking of a Federal Housing Authority estate in Umuahia, aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and promoting sustainable urban development. The projects are expected to boost economic activities and support the state’s economic transformation agenda.
