President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to visit Abia State before May 29, 2025, to commission two monumental projects: the newly reconstructed Aba–Port Harcourt Road and the ambitious $1.3 billion Abia Medical City. This was disclosed by Governor Alex Otti, who described the upcoming presidential visit as a significant milestone in his administration’s drive for infrastructure development and healthcare transformation.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Umuahia on Tuesday, Governor Otti said that preparations are already in top gear to welcome the President and formally showcase key achievements of the Abia State government within the past year. According to him, both projects represent the state’s commitment to sustainable development and the wellbeing of its citizens.
A Symbol of Renewal: The Aba-Port Harcourt Road
The commissioning of the Aba–Port Harcourt Road marks a major turnaround in one of the most economically strategic corridors in southeastern Nigeria. Long plagued by years of neglect, flooding, and dilapidation, the once-impassable road has now been transformed into a modern dual carriageway, complete with proper drainage, lighting, and pedestrian walkways.
“This road project is not just about asphalt and concrete,” Governor Otti remarked. “It’s about restoring economic lifelines, creating jobs, attracting investment, and giving dignity back to the people of Aba who suffered for too long.”
Constructed by Julius Berger, the road stretches from Aba through key commercial hubs to the Rivers State boundary. Traders, commuters, and logistics companies have already begun to experience the ease of transportation and reduced costs of doing business due to the completed sections of the road.
The Governor emphasized that the reconstruction was fully funded by the Abia State government, a testament to prudent fiscal management and the prioritization of legacy projects that have long-term socioeconomic impact.
Abia Medical City: A Healthcare Revolution in the Making
Perhaps even more groundbreaking is the planned commissioning of the Abia Medical City, a $1.3 billion integrated health and research complex located on a vast expanse of land in Umuahia South Local Government Area. The project, when completed, is expected to be one of the largest medical facilities in West Africa, offering state-of-the-art medical services, medical training, and research capabilities.
The Governor described the Medical City as a “visionary intervention” that will redefine healthcare delivery not only in Abia State but across the sub-region.
“It is unacceptable that Nigerians continue to spend billions of dollars yearly on medical tourism abroad. With the Abia Medical City, we are changing that narrative. We are creating a center of excellence that will attract global attention, deliver world-class healthcare services, and provide employment for thousands of health professionals,” Otti stated.
The Medical City will feature a 500-bed tertiary hospital, a medical college affiliated with top international universities, research centers focused on tropical diseases, and residential quarters for staff and patients. It will also include a pharmaceutical manufacturing zone and telemedicine facilities to reach rural communities.
According to the governor, Phase 1 of the project is already nearing completion, with equipment procurement and staff recruitment processes underway. The Abia State government is working closely with international health development partners, investors, and Nigerian medical experts in the diaspora to ensure the highest standards are maintained.
A Presidential Seal of Approval
The anticipated visit of President Tinubu to commission these landmark projects is being seen as an endorsement of the progressive strides under the Otti administration. It will be President Tinubu’s first official visit to Abia State since assuming office, and expectations are high that his presence will further boost investor confidence and federal-state collaboration.
Governor Otti confirmed that discussions have already been held with the presidency, and that the visit will likely take place before the end of May to coincide with the President’s one-year anniversary in office.
“The President is impressed with what we’ve done in Abia, and we’re proud to welcome him,” the Governor said. “This is not politics; it’s about development and showing that leadership can deliver tangible results.”
Public Reaction and Expectations
Residents of Aba and surrounding areas have welcomed the news with enthusiasm. For many, the reconstruction of the Aba–Port Harcourt Road alone is a dream come true, given the years of frustration and abandonment the corridor had suffered.
“This road used to destroy our vehicles and take hours of our lives every day,” said Uche Nwankwo, a transporter in Ariaria Market. “Now, I can go to Port Harcourt in under an hour. God bless whoever made this happen.”
Similarly, the announcement of the Abia Medical City has stirred hope among health workers, students, and civil society groups who have long advocated for improved healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Dr. Adaeze Obasi, a public health consultant based in Umuahia, expressed optimism: “If Governor Otti can pull this off, Abia will be at the center of Nigeria’s health revolution. This project has the potential to stop the brain drain and attract our best minds back home.”
Conclusion
As Governor Otti’s administration marks one year in office, the planned commissioning of the Aba–Port Harcourt Road and the launch of the $1.3 billion Abia Medical City signal a new chapter of growth and visionary leadership in Abia State. With President Tinubu’s expected visit, the eyes of the nation will turn toward Abia, not for politics, but for proof that governance can indeed be transformative.
