As of February 4, 2026, Abia State has entered a high-velocity phase of urban and economic reform. Following the weekly State Executive Council meeting, the administration of Governor Alex Otti announced a suite of projects designed to solidify Aba’s reputation as the “Japan of Africa” while modernizing the state’s public infrastructure.
1. The Aba SME Village & Innovation Hub
The government has officially approved the establishment of a dedicated SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba. This facility is more than just a marketplace; it is a strategic urban planning tool.
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Target Occupants: The village will primarily house computer dealers, mobile phone sellers, and specialized repair technicians.
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Decongestion Strategy: By creating a structured environment for these businesses, the state aims to remove unregulated commercial activities that have historically plagued Aba’s city center, easing traffic and boosting safety.
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The Innovation Hub: This wing will provide digital tools and mentorship for young “techpreneurs” to scale their hardware and software solutions locally.
2. The Aba Export Growth Lab: Opening Soon
A critical pillar of Governor Otti’s economic agenda, the Export Growth Lab located at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, is nearing completion.
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Inauguration: Expected before the end of February 2026.
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One-Stop Shop: The facility will eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks by hosting representatives from NAFDAC, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and trade agencies.
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Market Readiness: The lab will assist local manufacturers in branding, packaging, and securing international certifications for products like the famous Akwete cloth, safety footwear, and leather goods.
3. Green Shuttle: The Transition to E-Ticketing
Abia’s Green Shuttle Mass Transit Scheme, which recently introduced a fleet of electric buses, is moving from its pilot phase to full commercial operations.
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End of Free Rides: The free transportation service, which carried over 106,000 passengers since late December 2025, will end in late February.
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The E-Ticketing System: The scheme will shift to a cashless, digital system using contactless smart cards, “pay-as-you-go” options, and mobile wallets.
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Inclusive Technology: To ensure no one is left behind, the state is stationing vendors at bus shelters to help the elderly and non-digitally savvy users load their cards.
Quick Stats: Green Shuttle Pilot Phase (Dec 22 – Jan 29)
| Metric | Achievement |
| Total Passengers Moved | 106,116 |
| Total Distance Covered | 74,796.6 km |
| Daily Average Passengers | ~3,034 |
| Buses Deployed Daily | 14 |
4. Health Alert: Measles & Rubella Vaccination
On February 3, 2026, the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, flagged off a statewide vaccination campaign at the Nkwoegwu Primary Health Centre.
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Target Group: Children aged 9 months to 14 years.
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Availability: Vaccines are free and safe, available at all Primary Healthcare Centres and through mobile teams in schools and markets across the 17 LGAs.
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Health Priority: Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, emphasized that rubella is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children, making this campaign a vital social investment.
