Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has unveiled the Aba Commercial Smart City (ACSC), a groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project designed to transform Aba into a full-fledged industrial and commercial hub, boosting the state's economy and creating thousands of jobs.
The initiative, situated on 140 hectares of land at Osisioma along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, aims to modernize trade, commerce, manufacturing, and logistics while positioning Abia as a center of excellence in manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and technology.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Aba Commercial Smart City and the United Market Leaders/Traders in Umuahia on Wednesday, Governor Otti emphasized that the project aligns with his administration's vision to create prosperity for the people of Abia State.
"The proposed Aba Commercial Smart City will, on completion, launch Aba into an industrial centre for sustainable economic development and job creation," Otti stated. He highlighted how the smart city will practically transform the state by integrating advanced technologies to enhance business operations and urban living.
The ACSC is backed by the Abia State Government and features an integrated ecosystem combining industrial facilities, commercial spaces, hospitality, healthcare, security, and support services.
Key components include smart mobility with intelligent traffic management and electric vehicle infrastructure; energy-efficient smart buildings, renewable energy-integrated smart grids, AI-powered public safety systems, IoT-enabled waste management; and optimized retail and logistics platforms.
The development will encompass over 12,000 shops, 5,250 warehouses, 5,203 apartments, and 4,231 hotel rooms, creating a "one-stop" environment for seamless commerce.
Economically, the project is poised to significantly increase the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through formalized trade and attract substantial investments.
An investment consortium has already raised N100 billion to develop the site, which will drive up real estate values, improve transportation, and position Aba as Africa's largest and most efficient smart industrial and commercial city.
"These projects can improve transportation, create job opportunities, and attract investments, thereby boosting the local economy," noted a project partner statement.
On job creation, the initiative is expected to generate 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs across sectors like construction, ICT, manufacturing, and retail.
This aligns with Governor Otti's broader efforts to foster innovation, expand global trade, and empower economic growth in Southeast Nigeria, ultimately strengthening Nigeria's GDP. "It promises jobs, skills, and urban renewal," added Victor Nebo, a representative involved in the project.
Governor Otti, who serves as the official endorser and chief promoter of the ACSC, reiterated his commitment to returning Aba the commercial hub of Abia State to its former glory.
The project represents a key pillar in his administration's social covenant to develop economic projects that create jobs, boost local wealth, and leverage the state's resources for sustainable growth.