FENRAD commends Gov. Otti, demands details on Umuahia -Ikot Ekpene road work

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), has demanded comprehensive disclosure of key details surrounding the recently flagged-off Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road Rehabilitation Project by the Abia State Government.

While FENRAD welcomes and applauds Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to rehabilitate the long-neglected 25-kilometre stretch of this economically vital corridor, the organisation urges that clarity, accountability, and transparency must accompany the execution of the project, particularly given that the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road remains a federal highway under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Works.

According to the Executive Director
FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, after reviewing available public information, notes that several fundamental issues remain unclear.

“There has been no public disclosure of the total contract value or the funding framework guiding the rehabilitation. Given that this is a federal road, FENRAD is seeking clarification on whether the project is being financed solely from the Abia State treasury, through federal allocations, or under the NNPCL Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme previously associated with the project.

The Foundation seeks information on the contractor(s) engaged, the procurement method used, project scope, duration (reportedly slated for completion within 18 months), and quality specifications.

“Transparency in these areas will ensure the project’s integrity and safeguard against inflated costs or substandard execution”, he stressed.

FENRAD calls for an official statement from both the Federal Ministry of Works and the Abia State Government clarifying the legal arrangement that allows the state to execute works on a federal road, including any reimbursement or cost-sharing agreements in place.

As an environmental rights organisation, FENRAD urged that due process be followed in assessing the environmental and social impact of the project — especially concerning drainage design, waste disposal, vegetation clearance, and protection of adjoining farmlands and communities.

The Foundation emphasized that transparency is not antagonism.

“Public infrastructure projects of this magnitude must be implemented in a manner that promotes accountability and public trust.

FENRAD supports every genuine effort to rebuild our infrastructure and restore dignity to our people’s movement. However, given the road’s federal status and the magnitude of the financial commitment implied, the government owes it to the citizens to ensure that every naira spent is properly accounted for

FENRAD also urged the Abia State House of Assembly, civil society organisations, and the media to exercise proactive oversight on the project from start to finish.

FENRAD therefore urged the Abia State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to publish the contract sum, funding source, and project timeline, make public the procurement details and contracting firm(s) involved; outline a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and quality compliance; and ensure community engagement and environmental safeguards throughout the project lifecycle.