FENRAD demands probe into Aba’s Ekeoha market incident, seeks transparency

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental rights and good governance advocacy organization, has expressed concern over the recent props failure reported at a section of the ongoing Ekeoha Market construction project in Aba, Abia State, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, while commending the Abia State Government for its swift action in setting up an Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) through the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), FENRAD calls for a transparent, credible, and professionally executed investigation into the incident.

The organization emphasizes that public infrastructure projects must adhere strictly to safety and environmental standards, and that any incident involving construction failure—however minor—demands full disclosure and accountability from all parties involved.

FENRAD urges the investigation committee, which includes representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), and Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), to conduct a thorough, evidence-based assessment and to make its findings public in the interest of public trust, safety, and transparency.

The Foundation also calls on GADA and all relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen oversight and compliance monitoring mechanisms to prevent future occurrences, particularly in large-scale urban development projects within the Greater Aba region.

FENRAD remains committed to advocating for safe, sustainable, and accountable urban development practices in Abia State and across Nigeria.