Abia completes citizen’s engagement centre in Umuahia

…Partners MTN Nigeria to achieve 100% voice, data network coverage across state

Abia State Government has announced that the proposed Citizens’ Engagement Centre was ready for commissioning, as it continues to take strategic steps towards strengthening good governance, improving security, enhancing service delivery, and promoting innovation across the state.

Okey Kanu, state’s commissioner for Information, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

The Citizens’ Engagement Centre is a technology-driven platform designed to deepen communication between government and citizens, by providing an effective channel for real-time interaction.

The centre will receive and process citizens’ inquiries, complaints, suggestions, and feedback, directing them to the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for prompt attention.

Beyond citizen engagement, the centre will also serve as a data collection and processing hub that will support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and improved government service delivery.

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Kanu also updated residents on the state government’s strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria, aimed at achieving 100 percent voice and data network coverage across the state.

He said that the first phase of the project was expected to be completed within 8 to 10 weeks.

When completed, Kanu said that the initiative would significantly improve digital connectivity, promote social and financial inclusion, enhance access to education and healthcare services, and strengthen security by ensuring reliable network coverage across communities, including remote areas.

On security and public safety, the Abia State Commissioner for Information said that the Government has commenced the comprehensive enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada in designated restricted areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.

The enforcement is part of government’s commitment to strengthening security and ensuring a safer environment for residents.

He explained that motorcycles operating on Abia roads, whether for commercial, private, courier, or delivery purposes, are now required to be registered, noting that Abia State Harmonised Task Force, working with security agencies, will enforce compliance.

He noted that contravening operators in restricted areas will face a penalty of N50,000, while designated loading bays have been provided for impounded motorcycles.

Kanu said that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue will maintain a comprehensive database of registered motorcycles, while approved riders will receive colour-coded reflective jackets based on their senatorial districts and unique local government identification numbers for easy identification and monitoring.

For registered motorcycles used for courier and delivery services, Kanu said that they will strictly not be allowed to carry passengers, and that all riders must comply with the approved identification system.

Kanu, while acknowledging the temporary challenges the policy may bring to citizens, emphasised that the safety and security of Abians remained the priority of government.

He added that alternative transportation arrangements were being considered to cushion the impact on residents and operators, noting that the Governor Alex Otti-led administration remains committed to building a secure, innovative, people-centred, and digitally connected Abia State, where governance is closer to the people.

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