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By Vincent Kalu
Abia State Government has granted an indigenous construction, infrastructure and property development consortium, KCHAqua Investment Limited, an approval in principle (Aip) for the construction, equipping and management of the state owned Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), aimed at realising the federal government’s quest to end wholesale of drugs in unregulated environment across the country
In a letter conveying the approval, dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Public Private Partnership & Investment Promotions Office, Chinedum Chijioke, the KCHAqua consortium is partnering with Abia State Government to build the CWC, at Umuimo in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of the state. The state government listed the following conditions before groundbreaking – submission of evidence of financial capacity, submission of architectural and engineering drawings, bill of quantities specifications for the project and implementation plan.
Others include, submission of environmental and social impact assessment report, submission of off-takers agreement, agreement on Abia State Government’s stake and payment of administrative and other applicable fees
“The above-named project is hereby granted Approval in Principle (AiP) by the Chairman, Governing Council, Abia Public Private Partnership & Investment Promotions Office, subject to further review and refinement. This AiP confirms that the project concept aligns with the State’s strategic intent, goals and aspirations,’’ Chijioke said. The project has implementation timeline of 18 months and it’s expected to create over 3,000 employment opportunities.
The project will feature the construction of 1,000 shops for pharmaceutical wholesalers for the first phase, with sizes specifically designed to accommodate their operational needs.
The facility will also offer modern amenities and infrastructure, such as banking halls, fire station, parking lots, emergency medical services, food court, utility and security facilities, all aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
