In an effort to modernize urban infrastructure, the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the Nigerian Federal Government, and the State of Abia have launched a $263.8 million project.

The integrated infrastructure development project in Abia State includes the rehabilitation of 248 km of roads, the restoration of two erosion sites and the implementation of solid waste management through public-private partnerships. The financing includes $115 million from the AfDB, $15 million from the Canada-ADB Climate Fund, $125 million from the Islamic Development Bank, and $23.8 million from the Federal Government of Nigeria

The project will create over 3,000 temporary jobs during construction, 30% of which will be reserved for women, and 1,000 permanent jobs after completion of the work. Half of these jobs will be awarded to local youth through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps. The Abia project is part of a wider trend across Africa to integrate infrastructure development with social impact. The ADB strategy prioritizes urban resilience, especially in fast-growing secondary cities like Aba and Umuahia