“THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO TAKE TRAFFIC OFF ABA METROPOLITAN CITY” — GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI SAYS, FLAGS OFF ABA RING ROAD PROJECT TO DECONGEST COMMERCIAL CITY, BOOST ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially flagged off the construction of the first phase of the Aba Ring Road Project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to transform transportation, ease traffic congestion and enhance economic activities within Aba and its surrounding communities.

The strategic 4.9-kilometre road project, which cuts across Umuaduru—Okpulo Umuobo in Osisioma Local Government Area, is being executed under the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) as part of the ongoing urban renewal drive of the Abia State Government.

The project is designed to create an alternative traffic route around the bustling commercial city of Aba, thereby reducing pressure on major roads within the metropolis while opening up faster access to neighbouring communities and states such as Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

When completed, the road network is expected to significantly improve the movement of commuters, transporters and business operators by providing a bypass corridor for travellers whose destinations are outside the city centre. The development is also anticipated to stimulate economic expansion, attract investments and further position Aba as a thriving commercial hub in the South-East region.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday May 26, 2026, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Otti described the Aba Ring Road as a critical and strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at decongesting Aba metropolis and improving connectivity across the state.

Governor Otti explained that the vision behind the road project was carefully conceived to tackle the long-standing challenge of traffic congestion while simultaneously promoting economic growth through improved transportation infrastructure.

According to the Governor, the road would serve as a bypass system for motorists and commercial transporters who have no direct business within Aba city centre, thereby reducing unnecessary vehicular movement within the metropolis.

“The whole idea, is to take traffic off Aba Metropolitan City. If you have no business in Aba, then you don’t have to enter Aba to go to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Obingwa and other parts of the state. That would reduce the congestion inside the town,” Governor Otti said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the project was conceptualised about a year ago and successfully passed through all necessary procurement and contractual processes before construction commenced.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s policy of ensuring that contractors mobilise to site and begin actual work before formal project inaugurations are carried out, expressing satisfaction that construction activities had already commenced ahead of the official flag-off.

“Before we flag off any project, we ensure that work has started, so I’m happy that we have started construction,” Governor Otti added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, explained that the road project represents the first phase of the broader Aba Ring Road master plan designed to improve movement around the commercial city.

According to him, the entire stretch of the proposed ring road would run from the project point through Ihie, while the current phase under construction would connect the project point to Ikot Ekpene Road before terminating at Okpulor Umuobo.

“Your Excellency, this is the first phase of the Aba Ring Road. It starts from here and it ends at Ihie,” Arc. Ukeje said.

Architect Ukeje disclosed that the section presently under construction spans approximately 4.9 kilometres with a road width of 11 metres, noting that the infrastructure would significantly reduce unnecessary traffic entering the city.

He explained that the road would improve travel efficiency, reduce pressure on major urban roads and provide motorists with alternative access routes into different parts of Aba and surrounding communities.

“So what this road is supposed to do is that passengers going to Okpulumuogbo or other parts of the city do not need to get into the city.

“They will link this road, get off at Ikot Ekpene Road and off they go. Those going into other parts of the city will go through Okpulor Umuobo,” he said.

Ukeje further noted that the road project, alongside other ongoing infrastructure projects of the state government, would drastically shorten travel time across Aba when completed.

“With this road and the next road you’re going to commission (Afule) one will get into the city and from here will be able to go to Aba Sports Club in about 12 minutes when it’s completed,” he added.

The Aba Ring Road project is widely seen as another bold step in the ongoing infrastructural transformation agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, especially in the areas of road connectivity, urban renewal and economic development across Abia State.