ABIA GOVERNMENT TO FLAG OFF POCKET LAYOUT HOUSING SCHEME, ANNOUNCES REVIVAL OF ENYIMBA FACTORIES

By Emma Nwokonna On Jul 9, 2026

The Abia State Government has announced that it will soon flag off the Pocket Layout Housing Scheme, an initiative designed to provide functional and affordable housing for residents across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He noted that the procurement process for the project has reached an advanced stage. Bids from prospective contractors have been opened, and the list of successful bidders is expected within one week.

“Let me also inform you that the Pocket Layout Industrial Estate project is due for flag-off. With the opening of bids from prospective contractors, a comprehensive list of successful contractors will be published within the next one week,” he said.

“This project aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision to provide functional and affordable housing for Abians across the state,” Prince Kanu added.

The Commissioner explained that the project has two components: the Old Civil Service Commission area and the former Abia Hotels site. He added that work is already progressing at both locations.

“The Old Civil Service area has been fully cleared and parceled, and the plots are ready for allocation to successful contractors. Execution works will commence ahead of the formal flag-off ceremony.

“The Abia Hotels area, on the other hand, will be ready within the next two weeks for parceling and allotment to contractors. Execution works will also commence there before the formal flag-off,” the Information Commissioner disclosed.

Prince Kanu also announced a significant turnaround in the fortunes of the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company and the Enyimba Garments Factory in Aba, stating that both firms have resumed active production after years of decline.

He attributed the revival to reforms initiated under the Otti-led administration and the appointment of Ms. Nena Kalu Ogba as Managing Director in 2025.

According to him, the revival reflects the present administration’s commitment to industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Enyimba Automated Shoe Company Limited and Enyimba Garment Factory Limited, Ms. Nena Kalu Ogba, said the state government has successfully revived both factories through the acquisition of modern production and finishing equipment to enable them to compete with global brands.

Ms. Ogba-Kalu explained that the intervention was aimed at changing the long-held perception that Aba-made products were of inferior quality. She noted that the factories have been rehabilitated into conducive production environments.

She added that workers’ welfare has improved with regular salary payments, and that the facilities are now well-positioned to produce high-quality footwear and garments that meet international standards.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
July 9, 2026