A delegation from ACCIONA Consulting, the Spanish firm appointed by the African Development Bank, was in Awka for the commencement of technical assessments under the AfDB Africa Cities Programme in Anambra State.
Speaking during a meeting with the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA) in Awka, the leader of the team, Eliza Maceratini, ACCIONA’s Urban Planner and Deputy Project Leader, said the firm will work directly in Anambra State. She commended the State Government for attracting the project and announced a stakeholder workshop coming up onThursday, 18 June , 2026 to explain the project scope, with focus on on land use, environmental management, and climate resilience. She added that the team will meet various stakeholders to align visions and assess current conditions in the capital territory.
Contributing, the City Coordinator Kabiri Yari praised the government’s institutional readiness, saying Anambra has a solid foundation for the Programme, while Environmentalist Caroline Ferrandis outlined the key objectives of the programme to include erosion protection, flood control, and climate adaptation as critical for Awka’s growth.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, urged ACCIONA to tour the city and assess realities firsthand. He described their work as central to driving investment and pledged full government cooperation, while appealing for a faster project timeline to deliver early benefits to residents.
Welcoming the delegation, the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA MD/CEO Dr. Ossy Onuko said Anambra is honoured by the visit. He revealed Awka is the first Nigerian city selected for the programme, with contracts signed with ACCIONA on May 4, 2026. He added that ACCIONA will work with ACTDA and stakeholders on a city-wide diagnostic study and City Action Plan in line with Governor Soludo’s “Awka 2.0” liveable, prosperous smart megacity vision. The team also visited Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chiamaka Nnake, Chief of Staff Dr. Ben Nwankwo, and President General of Awka Development Union, Chief Fredrick Chinwuba.
Sylvia’s Take:
This is not just ACCIONA arriving with clipboards. It is Anambra’s vision meeting global expertise, and the timing is right. Governor Soludo’s “Awka 2.0” dream has always been bigger than roads and bridges — it is about a liveable, prosperous, climate-smart megacity where no child loses a school day to flood, and no business drowns in erosion. With Eliza Maceratini and Caroline Ferrandis leading the AfDB assessment, that vision just got blueprints and a deadline. If we get this right, Awka won’t just be Nigeria’s first pilot city under the Africa Cities Programme. It will be the proof that Anambra can plan boldly, adapt smartly, and deliver fast. The assessment starts today. Anambra’s promise starts showing up tomorrow.