FENRAD Commends Governor Alex Otti on Infrastructure Drive, Calls for Inclusive, Participatory Governance

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has commended the Government of Abia State under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for the recent commissioning of eight roads in Aba, including Port Harcourt Road, now reconstructed into a modern dual carriageway.

FENRAD, in a statement signed by the Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, while describing the projects as a massive infrastructure renewal, which also covers Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road, Ajiwe Street, Umuatako Road, Chief Nkoro Street, Gabriel Nwosu Street, and Pepples Road, said its a laudable step toward revitalizing Aba—the commercial heartbeat of the South East—and restoring public confidence in governance.

“We particularly note that these developments reflect a clear commitment to urban renewal, economic stimulation, and fulfilment of campaign promises, especially with the projected impact on trade volume and mobility within the city.”

“While we celebrate these visible gains, FENRAD urges the Otti-led administration to ensure that infrastructure development is pursued within the broader context of inclusive and participatory governance. This means:

• Engaging local communities, stakeholders, and professional bodies in planning and implementation.
• Prioritizing environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in all major projects.
• Ensuring transparency and fiscal accountability in the procurement and execution processes.
• Balancing urban development with rural accessibility to prevent lopsided growth.
• Furthermore, we encourage the government to institutionalize sustainability by adopting eco-friendly and climate-resilient infrastructure designs, while also strengthening public institutions that support long-term development.

“Abia State is on the path to recovery, and it is imperative that this momentum is sustained through policies that are people-centered, environmentally responsible, and socially equitable.

“FENRAD remains committed to working with the government, civil society, and the citizenry to promote accountable leadership, human rights, and environmental justice in Abia State and beyond.” The statement concluded.