The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has urged the Abia State Government to place workers’ welfare, inclusive governance and environmental sustainability at the centre of its development agenda.
FENRAD made the call in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, to mark Abia State’s 35th anniversary.
While commending Governor Alex Otti for what it described as significant progress in infrastructure, urban renewal and security, the organisation said the gains recorded in the state should be matched by improvements in the welfare and living conditions of citizens.
FENRAD specifically called for sustained attention to the timely payment of salaries and pensions, better working conditions, professional development and stronger social protection for civil servants, teachers, health workers, pensioners, artisans, traders, youths, women and other vulnerable groups.
The organisation said workers remained critical partners in the delivery of public services and should therefore be adequately supported to contribute effectively to the state’s development.
It also advocated greater involvement of civil society organisations, professional bodies, community groups, traditional institutions, women and youth organisations, and persons with disabilities in government policymaking.
According to FENRAD, regular consultations with these stakeholders would strengthen decision-making by incorporating community-level knowledge and technical expertise into government policies and programmes.
The group further urged the government to deepen civil society participation in budget monitoring, environmental governance, urban development, security, public health, education, social protection and community development.
FENRAD commended the administration’s road construction and rehabilitation projects, urban renewal initiatives, sanitation efforts and rehabilitation of public infrastructure, noting that the interventions had improved connectivity, economic activity and public confidence.
It also applauded efforts to strengthen security, stressing that a peaceful environment remained essential for residents, businesses and investors.
However, the organisation called for stronger environmental safeguards and transparency in the implementation of infrastructure and urban renewal projects, including openness in public expenditure and procurement and equitable distribution of development projects.
FENRAD also urged the government to establish more effective citizens’ feedback and monitoring mechanisms to enable residents to participate in assessing public projects and programmes.
The organisation said Abia’s progress should be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by improvements in human welfare, institutional strength, economic opportunities and citizens’ participation.
As Abia marks 35 years of statehood, FENRAD urged the Otti administration to consolidate its achievements while remaining receptive to constructive criticism, independent oversight and meaningful citizen participation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental justice, human rights, accountable governance, inclusive development and sustainable communities across the state.
