Abia To Launch Citizens Centre, Expand Statewide Network Coverage

The Abia State Government has announced plans to commission its Citizens’ Engagement Centre while advancing efforts to achieve 100 per cent voice and data network coverage across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.

According to Kanu, the Citizens Engagement Centre is ready for commissioning and will serve as a technology-driven platform aimed at strengthening communication between the government and residents.

He stated that Governor Otti approved the establishment of the centre to facilitate real-time interaction between citizens and government institutions through multiple communication channels.

“The centre will aggregate inquiries, complaints, suggestions and feedback from citizens and channel them to the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for prompt resolution, particularly on matters of public interest,” Kanu said.

He added that beyond improving service delivery, the facility would function as a data collection and processing hub to support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation and feedback management across government institutions.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, is pursuing a network expansion project aimed at achieving complete voice and data coverage across Abia.

According to him, the first phase of the project is expected to be completed within the next eight to ten weeks.

“Upon completion, the project will significantly enhance social and financial inclusion, improve access to healthcare and education, and strengthen security across the state,” he said.

Kanu noted that residents in remote communities would gain access to reliable broadband services, thereby bridging existing communication gaps across the state.

He further announced that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy will host the Canvas, Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

The festival, themed “Defining Us,” will feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, networking opportunities and interactions with emerging and established artists, while showcasing the state’s cultural heritage and creative talents.

Speaking further, the Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Gerald Ilukwe, explained that the Citizens’ Engagement Centre would operate as a contact centre rather than a physical walk-in facility.

According to him, residents will be able to access government services, submit complaints, make inquiries, provide feedback and receive responses through telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp and other digital platforms.

“This centre is designed to function like modern customer service platforms operated by banks, telecommunications companies and airlines, where customers interact remotely rather than through physical contact,” Ilukwe said.

Meanwhile, the state government has clarified the implementation of its policy restricting commercial motorcycle operations within designated areas of the state, describing the measure as a necessary public safety and security initiative.

In a public advisory, the government said the policy was introduced solely to protect lives and property and should not be interpreted as targeting any ethnic group, community or category of persons.

While acknowledging that many residents depend on commercial motorcycle operations for their livelihoods, the government maintained that public safety must remain the overriding consideration.

“The safety and security of our citizens must always remain paramount. No economic consideration can outweigh the value of human life,” the advisory stated.

The government further announced that a ₦20,000 penalty would be imposed on commercial motorcycle operators who violate the restriction order, with enforcement scheduled to commence on June 29, 2026.

It, however, clarified that any penalty collected before the effective date would be refunded, while motorcycles previously impounded could be reclaimed free of charge after 48 hours, subject to verification and documentation requirements.

Under the updated guidelines, private motorcycles will continue to operate freely provided they are duly registered and documented, but they will not be permitted to carry passengers.

The government further directed that all commercial motorcycle operators must wear officially approved Abia State identification vests within their approved jurisdictions.

It added that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be properly registered and documented in accordance with government regulations.

To ensure accountability during enforcement, the state government announced the establishment of a toll-free complaints system through which residents can report alleged misconduct, extortion or abuse by task force personnel.

The government appealed to transport operators, community leaders and residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities, insisting that the policy is aimed at protecting lives, preserving peace and promoting public order across the state.