World Bank Selects Abia State for $700 Million Water and Sanitation Project

Abia State has secured a major development boost after being selected as one of six Nigerian states to benefit from the World Bank-funded $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.

The announcement was made following the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday and chaired by Governor Alex Otti. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, described the selection as a strong sign of growing international confidence in the state’s governance and reform efforts.

According to him, Abia’s inclusion in the SURWASH programme reflects the ongoing transformation taking place across different sectors in the state under the current administration.

He noted that global development partners and multilateral financial institutions are increasingly turning their attention to Abia because of reforms being implemented in governance, infrastructure, and public service delivery.

The SURWASH programme, which focuses on improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in both urban and rural communities, is expected to strengthen water infrastructure and improve public health outcomes across participating states.

For Abia residents, the project could significantly improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, particularly in underserved communities where water challenges remain a major concern.

Beyond the World Bank-backed initiative, the state government also announced the revival of the previously suspended United States Agency for International Development (USAID) small-town WASH project.

Kanu revealed that the project has now resumed under a new funding structure through Mercy Corps, with work set to continue on water schemes in Ubakala and Ariaria.

In the energy sector, the Abia State Government disclosed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency has granted interim licences to three companies — New Era, Aba Power, and Geometric Power — as part of efforts to improve electricity distribution and supply across the state.

Kanu said the state’s ongoing half-year power restoration project has already reached approximately 85 percent completion. He added that communities currently experiencing unstable power supply, including Ohafia, are expected to receive full electricity restoration before the end of the second quarter.

As part of its clean energy and sustainability plans, the government also announced the launch of a 1.8-megawatt microgrid solar project. The solar initiative is expected to power central bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba, supporting the state’s broader energy transition agenda while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

On appointments, Governor Otti approved the appointment of Professor Deka Chioma Okoropo as the new Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital. Dr. Nkiru Kachidia Maduwe was also named Project Coordinator for NEWMAP under the Ministry of Environment.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Government confirmed that Governor Otti’s third anniversary in office will be marked in a low-key manner.

Rather than hosting elaborate celebrations, the administration plans to commemorate the milestone through project commissioning ceremonies and the flag-off of new initiatives across the state’s three senatorial zones.

According to Kanu, the anniversary will serve as an opportunity to showcase completed projects, launch new developments, and evaluate the government’s progress so far.

Abia’s selection for the $700 million World Bank water project is likely to further strengthen the state’s development profile, especially as it continues to attract international partnerships and infrastructure investments.