FENRAD Commends Tinubu over $125m IsDB Facility for Abia Integrated Infrastructure Devt. Pjt
A clarion call has been made for a competitive bidding, civil society inclusion, and proactive disclosure in line with OGP commitments.
Aba, Nigeria – August 15, 2025 – The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) An Environmental & Human Rights Advocacy Organization commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the approval of a $125 million financing facility from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in support of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.
This milestone marks a significant commitment to rebuilding and upgrading critical infrastructure in Abia State—spanning transportation, water and sanitation, urban development, and environmental management. FENRAD views this as a potential game-changer for economic growth, service delivery, and improved quality of life for Abia residents.
According to a press Release by the Chief press secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
The Project total cost is USD 263.80 million
Comprising
USD 125 million from Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
U$D 100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB)
USD 15 million from the Canada – Africa Development Bank and USD 23.80 million counterpart counterpart funding from the Abia State Government
Under this project the IsDB financing will support the construction of approximately 126 kilometers of Road network in Aba and 35 57 kilometers in Umuahia including a link Road between the two cities as well as address critical Erosion, create jobs and address greenhouse emissions and other climate change mitigation strategies. The investment will also attract private sector involvement and partnership in the project implementation
As implementation commences, FENRAD urges both the Federal Government and the Government of Abia State to uphold the highest standards of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and public accountability.
Specifically, FENRAD calls for:
- A Transparent and Competitive Bidding Process
All contracts and subcontracts awarded under this facility must follow an open and competitive procurement process that aligns with international best practices. This is essential to prevent corruption, ensure quality delivery, and guarantee value for public funds. - Inclusion of Civil Society in Oversight Structures
FENRAD strongly recommends that independent civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and professional associations be included in the State Steering Committee and other relevant monitoring mechanisms. Their participation will provide credible, grassroots-informed oversight and strengthen public confidence in the project. - Proactive Disclosure of Project Information
In keeping with Abia State’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and its obligations under Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, FENRAD calls for timely and proactive disclosure of all project-related information. This includes:
Project designs and timelines
Procurement plans and awarded contracts
Disbursement schedules
Environmental and social impact assessments
Independent audit and progress reports
Making these documents publicly available through government portals and regular stakeholder briefings will reinforce public ownership and ensure continuous civic engagement.
FENRAD remains committed to promoting sustainable development, fiscal integrity, and participatory governance. We will continue to monitor the implementation of this project and advocate for transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement at all stages.
Finally we commend the political will of his Excellency the Executive Governor of Abia state Dr. Alex chioma Otti for the massive infrastructure Development in the state and finalizing the implementation of this facility in the state
We encourage all stakeholders in the media, civil society organization, especially the people of Abia State, to remain actively engaged in tracking the progress of this initiative and it’s timely implementation
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD Nigeria
Email: info@fenrad.org.ng
Phone: +234 [Phone; 08033383708, 07062949232.
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
About FENRAD:
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental justice, human rights, fiscal transparency, and good governance through grassroots mobilization, research, and policy advocacy and fiscal accountability
