The Abia State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Abia RAAMP) has successfully completed the contract award signing for the construction of the 19.1km pilot road project of Itungwa-Mgboko-Amaise-Amairi-Ahiaba Ubi Nkwoelechi-Omoba roads which cuts across Obingwa and Isialangwa South Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The contract signing event which took place at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Umuahia- the Supervisory Ministry of Abia RAAMP, and under the chairmanship of the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix had the IAC Allied Technical and Construction Company Limited sign a contract agreement with Abia RAAMP. This is aimed at constructing the rural roads which cut across the Obingwa and Isialangwa South Local Government Areas of our dear state.

During her opening remarks for the event, the Honourable Commissioner- Mrs Ngozi Felix, appreciated the Governor, His Excellency- Dr Alex Otti (OFR) for providing the counterpart funds that have kept the project going and made the contract signing possible.

She further disclosed that the Governor is very passionate about infrastructural development, hence his keying into the RAAMP project, in a bid to provide access roads across all ruralcommunities in the State. She assured that the contractor will be mobilized to site immediately to ensure the construction of these roads begin in earnest.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation – Mrs Becky Oguama expressed joy over the signing of the contract award, while advising the contractor to ensure the company employs residents of the host communities during the construction. This she stressed is crucial in empowering the community people, especially youths and women.

In his speech, Engr. Donatus Chibuihe Chinyere- the Acting Project Coordinator of Abia
RAAMP noted that the contract signing marks a significant milestone in the collective effort of the Abia State Government, Abia RAAMP and the people of Abia State to enhance the infrastructure and connectivity of rural communities in the State.
Further, he stated that Abia RAAMP places trust in the expertise and professionalism of the construction company, and thus encouraged the firm to ensure that the construction is completed on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality. He also assured of his team’s readiness to work closely with them to achieve this.
Reacting, the representative of IAC Allied Technical Construction Company – Mr Christian Soribe commended Abia RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company. He promised that his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.

Explaining the procurement process that brought in the IAC Construction Company as the
company to handle the construction of the pilot road project, the Procurement Officer of Abia RAAMP, Mr Haniel Idika, explained that the process started with an advert placement, a prebidding meeting with prospective bidders and a bid opening event, followed by bid evaluation exercise where the most responsive bidder emerged winner. He further revealed that the contract awardee has submitted all vital documents required of them for the job.

In attendance were the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers – Engr. Romanus Enyinnaya; Head of the Project Financial Management Unit – Barr. Cynthia Umezie, other members of the State Project Monitoring Committee (SPMC), as well as members of the State Project Management Unit (SPIU) of Abia RAAMP.