Abia Govt Demolishes Illegal Structures at Umuahia Market for Modern Transport Hub
The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), acting on the directive of the Abia State Government, has begun demolishing unauthorised buildings erected within the premises of the former Umuahia market, popularly called Ogwumabiri.
In a statement issued on Monday, UCDA General Manager, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, said the demolition is part of the state government’s broader vision to transform Umuahia into a modern, world-class capital city.
According to Agomoh, the land was originally allocated by the previous administration to a private investor for the construction of an event centre under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.
However, the investor allegedly deviated from the approved plan and began developing residential duplexes and apartments without government authorisation.
“The Abia State Government has been engaging the investor for the past year and offered a negotiated ex-gratia settlement,” Agomoh stated. “The space has now been taken over for the development of a modern transportation hub that will integrate a bus terminal, train station, and intercity shuttle services.”
He noted that the structures were deemed unsuitable for the overriding public interest, stressing that the planned transportation hub would significantly improve the city’s infrastructure, enhance mobility, and boost Umuahia’s economic growth.
The UCDA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing urban development regulations and ensuring that projects within the capital city align with the government’s transformation agenda.
