The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for what it described as notable strides in infrastructure development, urban renewal and security, while calling for stronger workers’ welfare and greater civil society participation in governance.
FENRAD made the call in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, to mark Abia State’s 35th anniversary on Thursday.
The organisation acknowledged the administration’s ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, urban renewal initiatives, sanitation efforts and rehabilitation of public infrastructure, saying the interventions had contributed to improved connectivity, economic activity and public confidence across the state.
It also commended the government’s efforts to strengthen security, noting that a peaceful and secure environment was essential for residents, businesses and investors to thrive.
However, FENRAD urged the government to make workers’ welfare, decent working conditions and inclusive governance central to its development agenda.
The organisation said infrastructure development should be complemented by policies that improve the wellbeing of civil servants, teachers, health workers, pensioners, artisans, traders, youths, women and other vulnerable groups.
It called for sustained attention to timely payment of salaries and pensions, improved working conditions, professional development and social protection, stressing that workers are critical partners in delivering public services and achieving the state’s development goals.
FENRAD also advocated greater participation of civil society organisations, professional associations, community groups, traditional institutions, women and youth organisations and persons with disabilities in policymaking.
According to the organisation, institutionalising regular consultations with these groups would bring valuable community-level knowledge and technical expertise into government decision-making.
It urged the state government to strengthen platforms for civil society engagement in areas including budget monitoring, environmental governance, urban development, security, social protection, public health, education, accountability and community development.
The Foundation further called for greater attention to environmental sustainability and social safeguards in the implementation of infrastructure and urban renewal projects.
It urged the government to strengthen transparency in public expenditure and procurement, ensure equitable distribution of development projects and establish effective citizens’ feedback and monitoring mechanisms.
FENRAD said Abia’s development should be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by improvements in human welfare, institutional strength, economic opportunity and citizens’ participation.
The organisation stressed that building a prosperous and sustainable Abia required a collective effort involving government, citizens, civil society, the private sector, traditional institutions, development partners and communities.
As the state marks 35 years of creation, FENRAD urged the Otti administration to consolidate its achievements while remaining open 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 Abia State.
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