The Abia State Government has announced that soil and geotechnical tests will now be compulsory before building permits are granted in the state capital, as part of measures to enhance structural safety and prevent building collapse.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking on the new building policy, Kanu said soil investigations have been made mandatory to ensure structures are erected on suitable foundations.
“Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have a soil test and geotechnical test certificate.
“This is to ensure that buildings are designed and built in line with soil capabilities and constructed on verified and strong foundations to improve structural safety, prevent building collapse, and protect lives and property,” he said.
On education, the Commissioner disclosed that Governor Otti will commission the Umuomaku Smart School in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as the administration continues to expand its Smart School Initiative.
He explained that the former Umuomaku Community Primary School has been upgraded into one of the state’s flagship smart schools, equipped with modern learning infrastructure.
“The project represents another milestone in the administration’s commitment to repositioning basic education in the state through innovation, technology, and world-class learning infrastructure,” Kanu stated.
Beyond these two headline announcements, the Commissioner also briefed journalists on a range of other EXCO decisions and project updates across the state.
On flood mitigation, Kanu said the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified the de-silting of drainage channels across Umuahia metropolis ahead of the rainy season, with work ongoing along Adelabu Street, Shoprite to Uwalaka Street, Abiriba Street Junction to Warri Road, Ndume Otuka Road, the Winners Church axis on Ndume Road, Church of Christ to Ugba Road, Finbarrs Road, and other flood-prone areas.
On urban renewal, he said the government is reviewing the condition and location of several markets in and around Umuahia, with the Ogbodiukwu Market near Express Tower under consideration for either a facelift or relocation.
“The way the Ogbodiukwu Market is situated and the way it looks today does not represent what the state government thinks about in terms of urban renewal,” he said.
He added that the UCDA has received approval to begin erosion control works in Emede Ibeku Community, and that the tendering process for the proposed Pocket Estate Layout has been concluded, with a provisional list of successful contractors due for release.
On housing, Kanu said the Green City Site and Services Estate at Obehere in Ukwa West Local Government Area has recorded significant progress, with perimeter fencing completed, internal road construction ongoing, and residential plots already allocated.
On agriculture, he disclosed that a planning committee has been inaugurated to implement the Nigerian Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NADDI), comprising representatives from relevant ministries, the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture, and national research institutions.
He said Abia will become the ninth state to implement the federal-state initiative, describing it as designed “to unlock Abia’s full agribusiness and agro-industry potentials” through agro-processing and economic diversification.
He also announced EXCO’s approval for the establishment of six greenhouses — two in each of the state’s three senatorial zones — as a pilot initiative to promote year-round vegetable farming under controlled environmental conditions.
On commerce, Kanu said preparations have begun for the third Aba International Trade Fair, themed “Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovations, Trade, and Industry Growth,” which will feature simultaneous exhibition and conference sessions this year.
He added that the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is partnering with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to train and certify Abia entrepreneurs for export readiness, calling it “a laudable strategic initiative that will boost the export of Made-in-Aba products.”
On roads, Kanu said direct labour maintenance works were carried out in 46 locations statewide during the review period, with three projects completed: the Nkwagu Junction–Nkwom Mbala Road in Umunneochi, the Akara Junction–Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato, and Mazi Oko Oro Avenue in Arochukwu.
He also announced rainy season maintenance on the 52-kilometre Opobo Junction–Azumini–Obehie Road, a federal highway, stating: “This state government does not discriminate between state and federal roads, provided those roads are being used by Abians.”
Maintenance is also ongoing on the access road linking Obingwa General Hospital to the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters, with 26 road projects still under active contract despite delays caused by persistent rainfall.
The briefing was attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu; the Director General of UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo; and SA on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
(The Whistler)
