The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) commends the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the bold and strategic steps outlined in his July 11, 2025 Address at the launch of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID).
The initiative signals a new era of co-ordinated and multi-sectoral development, driven by global best practices and strengthened by impactful partnerships, with respected multilateral institutions including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Canada-Africa Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF).
From a civil society standpoint, CHARS-Africa notes with interest the shift from a narrow urban development focus to an integrated model encompassing infrastructure rehabilitation, erosion control, and waste management systems.
This re-definition is not only visionary but essential, considering the existential threats posed by climate-induced gully erosion in rural communities, and the pervasive health and environmental risks associated with poor waste disposal systems across Abia.
We particularly applaud the efforts of the Otti-led administration to rebuild investor confidence and restore public trust through fiscal management, enhanced transparency, and deliberate prioritization of projects that support economic productivity and social well-being.
The Governor’s declaration that “we do not breach trust, especially when we see sincerity of purpose,” is one that CHARS-Africa shall hold the administration accountable to, as we commit to actively monitoring the delivery of the ABSIID initiative.
Our Position and Call to Action:
1. Equity and Inclusion: While we celebrate the developmental vision captured in the Governor’s remarks, CHARS-Africa urges that implementation of ABSIID must not be urban-centric. Marginalised communities, rural dwellers, women, youth and persons living with disabilities must be active participants and beneficiaries of these projects. Social inclusion must be a benchmark.
2. Community Engagement and Ownership: Development cannot succeed when imposed from above. We call on the State Government to institutionalize participatory frameworks (Community Charter of Demand), where community members can influence decision-making, monitor project execution, and report concerns without fear of repression.
3. Transparency and Public Reporting: In the spirit of the Governor’s stated commitment to accountability, CHARS-Africa requests that the government publish quarterly progress reports on ABSIID, including disbursements received, procurement processes followed, project milestones met, and setbacks encountered. These reports must be made available to the public in a simplified formats accessible to ordinary citizens.
4. Environmental and Social Safeguards: Projects such as road expansion and waste infrastructure must comply with environmental protection laws and ensure no community is displaced without due process and full compensation. CHARS-Africa will closely monitor that environmental assessments are conducted and followed in line with both Nigerian and international standards.
5. Protection Against Corruption: Development financing must not become another feeding trough for corrupt actors. We urge the setting up of a multi-stakeholder oversight panel, including representatives from civil society, professional associations, and religious groups, to ensure procurement integrity, value-for-money auditing, and independent project evaluation.
6. Job Creation and Local Content: CHARS-Africa supports the Governor’s assertion that ABSIID will create jobs in the area of agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. However, we caution against the outsourcing of these opportunities to external contractors without adherence to local content policies. We recommend clear commitments to employing meritorious Abians first, especially our teeming youth population.
In Conclusion
As a civil rights and development-focused organisation, CHARS-Africa believes in the power of purposeful leadership. Governor Alex Otti’s address reflects vision, planning, and courage, but words must now translate into measurable impact. The people of Abia have endured decades of neglect, and they deserve the dividends of this new development pact.
We, therefore, stand ready and call on all well meaning groups and individuals to support this noble course by monitoring, and if necessary, resist any deviation from the path charted on 11 July, 2025. CHARS-Africa will continue to work with citizens, partners, and institutions to ensure that the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project becomes not just a political promise but a true people’s triumph.
“Development without justice, inclusion and accountability is only a facade. We must ensure it truly works for the people.” – Amaka Biachi.
Signed:
Amaka Biachi Esq.
Executive Director
CHARS-Africa
Email: charsafrica.ng@gmail.com | Tel: +234-803-553-2707
