Awka, the capital of Anambra State, has emerged as the first city in Nigeria to benefit from the African Development Bank’s African Cities Programme.
African Cities Programme is an initiative aimed at transforming urban infrastructure and promoting sustainable city development across Africa.
The milestone followed the signing of a contract with Acciona Construction Firm of Spain on May 4, 2026.
Representatives of the company recently visited the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) in Awka to begin preliminary engagements on the project.
Speaking during the meeting, the Urban Development and Coordinating City Expert, Mohammad Yari, explained that the African Cities Programme was established to assist participating cities in identifying development challenges.
The programme also prioritises critical infrastructure needs, preparing bankable projects capable of attracting funding from the African Development Bank and other international financial institutions.
According to him, Awka’s selection positions the city for significant infrastructural transformation and sustainable urban growth.
“Awka is the first city in Nigeria to benefit from the African Development Bank African Cities Programme.
“The initiative will enable the city to develop evidence-based and people-oriented projects capable of transforming the urban landscape,” he stated.
Yari disclosed that a technical committee had already been inaugurated to undertake city profiling, stakeholder consultations and data collection necessary for the preparation of a comprehensive action plan.
He further revealed that Acciona, an international construction company with operations across several continents, had been engaged to provide technical support for the implementation process.
The programme, he noted, would focus on projects with high developmental impact, including road infrastructure, urban renewal and climate-resilient projects.
Inclusive planning approaches
Also speaking, Acciona’s Urban Development Expert and Gender Specialist, Dr. Egbuna Onyinyechi, said the project would adopt an inclusive planning approach.
It will take into consideration the needs of women, youths, children and persons living with disabilities.
She explained that the initiative would encourage the development of pedestrian-friendly roads, safer transportation systems and public infrastructure accessible to all residents.
Receiving the delegation, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Dr. Ossy Onuko, described the project as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Awka into a modern city.
Onuko disclosed that the process began in 2024 and successfully culminated in 2026 with Awka emerging as the first beneficiary city in Nigeria under the African Cities Programme.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to building a livable and prosperous homeland through strategic partnerships and sustainable urban development initiatives.
The ACTDA boss also assured the technical team of the agency’s readiness to provide the necessary collaboration and support required for the successful execution of the programme.
In his remarks, the Commissioner-designate for the Ministry of Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN), described Awka’s selection as a major achievement for Anambra State.
He stated that the government remained determined to transform the state capital into a modern urban centre in line with the Awka 2.0 initiative.
Visit to PG Awka
As part of stakeholder engagements, the technical team also visited the President-General of Awka, Chief Fredrick Chinwuba.
Speaking during the visit, Chinwuba welcomed the initiative and stressed the urgent need for improved infrastructure, flood control systems, inner-city roads and urban beautification projects within the capital city.
He expressed confidence that the African Development Bank-backed programme would accelerate the development of Awka and significantly improve the quality of life for residents.
