Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the immediate flag-off and delivery of the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City, following confirmation that an initial ₦20 billion financing package is being presented for the commencement of the ambitious project.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Friday, August 7, 2026, when he received the leadership of the Aba Commercial Smart City at Government House, Umuahia, charging the project team to move swiftly from planning to implementation.

At the centre of the project is the Founder and President of Aba Commercial Smart City, Ambassador Dr. Osita Offor, “De Ultimate Commander,” (Ikenga Gbogbòrùrù of Ohafia and Nneato Ancient Kingdoms), whose team told the Governor that the project had reached the stage where funding was being mobilised for actual implementation.

The project leadership disclosed that, through its financial adviser and partnering banks, an initial ₦20 billion is being presented towards the project.

The development marks a significant step forward for a project envisioned as a modern commercial and technology-driven hub capable of repositioning Aba as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres for commerce, manufacturing, innovation and investment.

Governor Otti, while directing the immediate acceleration of the project, said the State Government was ready to facilitate the process towards a formal flag-off.

He specifically directed the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedu Chijioke, to take charge of the necessary details and work with the project team towards moving the State to the flag-off stage.

The Governor stressed that his administration would not encourage projects that could not be completed.

“In Abia State, we don’t have abandoned projects. Any project that we cannot see to delivery does not even kick-start.”

Otti further noted that the Smart City could become a major game changer for Aba if delivered according to the original vision, particularly at a time when technology, smart infrastructure and modern commercial ecosystems are increasingly shaping global economies.

According to the Governor, the immediate priority is to ensure that the necessary groundwork and financing arrangements are concluded so that the project can move from the drawing board to physical implementation.

OFFOR-LED TEAM PRESENTS ₦20BN INITIAL FINANCING

Earlier, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Aba Commercial Smart City and former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Dr. Mike Okiro, alongside Ambassador Dr. Osita Offor, De Ultimate Commander, informed Governor Otti of the financial position of the project.

They explained that the project team, working with its financial adviser and partnering banks, was presenting the initial ₦20 billion required to advance the project.

The development provides a major boost to the prospect of actualising the Smart City, which has been projected as a transformative commercial infrastructure for Aba and the wider Abia economy.

NEBO: PROJECT CAN RESTORE ABA’S LOST GLORY

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Aba Commercial Smart City and former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, described the project as one capable of restoring Aba’s commercial prominence.

Prof. Nebo commended Governor Otti for what he described as his capacity in governance and also praised the Abia State Government’s PPP office and other officials involved in the project for their professionalism.

He maintained that the successful delivery of the Smart City, alongside other projects being executed by the Otti administration, would leave a lasting mark on the Governor’s tenure.

WHAT ABA COMMERCIAL SMART CITY COULD MEAN FOR ABA

The proposed Aba Commercial Smart City is expected to go beyond the construction of physical structures, with its broader vision centred on creating a modern commercial ecosystem where business, technology, manufacturing, logistics, investment and innovation operate within an integrated smart-city environment.

When delivered, the project is expected to strengthen Aba’s position as a major commercial destination, improve the environment for businesses, attract investors, support manufacturing and entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities for employment and wealth creation.

It also has the potential to provide modern infrastructure capable of supporting Aba’s large network of manufacturers, traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and emerging technology-driven businesses.

For a city already renowned for its indigenous manufacturing capacity and commercial enterprise, the Smart City could provide the infrastructure and organised environment required to take Aba’s economic potential to a higher level.

The project could equally enhance the attractiveness of Aba to local and international investors by providing a more structured commercial environment, while creating opportunities for partnerships across technology, manufacturing, retail, logistics, finance and other sectors.

With ₦20 billion in initial financing now being presented, attention has shifted from the conception of the project to the crucial next phase — flag-off, construction and delivery.

Governor Otti’s directive for the project team to fast-track the process therefore places the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City firmly on the administration’s development agenda.

The meeting was attended by the Governor’s Chief of Staff and other members of the Abia State Executive Council, alongside the leadership and representatives of the Aba Commercial Smart City project.

For Aba, the expectation is clear: a successful Smart City project could represent not just another development project, but a significant step towards repositioning the commercial capital of Abia as a modern, technology-enabled economic hub with the capacity to attract investment, create jobs and unlock new opportunities for businesses and residents.

Credit: ©2026: OHAFIATV