Commercial activities in Aba, Abia State, are gradually bouncing back following the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road.
For years, poor infrastructure and insecurity had crippled the city’s economy, driving away traders and investors. Many markets, including the popular Ariaria and Cemetery markets, struggled with low patronage as buyers from other states stopped visiting Aba.
Governor Alex Otti’s intervention in rehabilitating Port Harcourt Road has been described as a major turning point for Aba’s commercial revival. The project has eased movement, encouraged the return of traders, and restored hope among residents.
Mr. Kingsley, a trader at Cemetery Market, told reporters that business activities have improved significantly in recent months.
“Before now, things were very difficult. Customers from other cities stopped coming because of the bad road, and insecurity was a major concern. But today, business has truly returned to Aba,” he said.
Another trader, Mr. Ezekiel, who has operated along the road for years, recalled how previous administrations failed to address the problem.
“Many governments came and left without reconstructing this road. People abandoned Aba, and even some landlords sold their houses because they lost hope. This administration has restored that hope,” he noted.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Abia State in the coming days to officially commission the Port Harcourt Road project. The visit is expected to highlight the significance of the road to Aba’s economic recovery and the state government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.
