The Abia State Government has approved the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker and Government College Umuahia as State Monuments, while Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area, have been designated State Natural Monuments.
The move, according to the government, is aimed at preserving Abia’s historical and natural heritage, promoting tourism and creating new economic opportunities across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, September 14, 2026, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the designation would strengthen the government’s efforts to preserve the state’s cultural and natural heritage while positioning the sites for wider international recognition.
He said the newly approved heritage sites had the potential to attract consideration for UNESCO heritage status.
The Commissioner also announced the designation of Aba as a Creative and Innovative City, citing the commercial, industrial and creative significance of the city.
He disclosed that the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum had reached about 80 per cent completion and was expected to be concluded before the end of 2026.
According to him, the projects are expected to improve the preservation of the sites, enhance visitors’ experience and strengthen their potential as tourism destinations.
Kanu further announced that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy had received approval to develop the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu.
He said work had commenced, including the grading of access roads leading to the waterfall, with completion expected before the end of the year.
The Commissioner said the project was designed to unlock additional tourism and economic opportunities for the state.
He also disclosed that the government had commenced the erection of monuments at strategic locations across Abia to preserve the state’s heritage, honour its heroes and heroines and promote its cultural identity.
Among the planned monuments is one dedicated to the women who participated in the 1929 Aba Women’s uprising, in recognition of their courage, resilience, resistance and leadership.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner used the briefing to clarify reports of alleged excessive taxation in the state, insisting that the Abia State Government had not introduced new tax increases.
Kanu said the tax rates currently being referenced were largely rates introduced in 2020 by the previous administration, adding that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Services could not unilaterally increase taxes without enabling legislation.
He urged taxpayers to comply with existing tax laws while assuring that legitimate concerns would be addressed by officials of the Board of Internal Revenue.
Kanu also dismissed reports that akara sellers in the state were being asked to pay ₦50,000 in taxes, describing the claim as false.
“This is pure fallacy. Nothing can be further from the truth. Akara sellers don’t pay tax or levies. They pay daily tolls. And none can pay as high as 50,000 Naira,” he said.
The Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Services, Uche Elekwachi, also dismissed the report, explaining that there was no ₦50,000 tax rate or revenue window for akara sellers introduced by the present administration.
He said the Abia Internally Generated Revenue Service Law was enacted in 2020, before the current administration assumed office.
On outstanding gratuities owed to retired workers, Kanu disclosed that payments covering the period from 2001 to 2010 had been made, while preparations were ongoing for the next batch covering 2011 to 2025.
He dismissed claims that the payments were initiated because of pressure from the opposition, explaining that the government was settling the liabilities in batches because of the substantial funds required.
Kanu said the conclusion of the outstanding gratuity payments could come earlier than anticipated, adding that the administration remained committed to fulfilling its obligations to retirees.
He also clarified reports suggesting that gratuity payments would continue only until 2031.
According to him, the State Gratuity Committee recommended that gratuity provisions be incorporated into the state’s 2026–2031 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and subsequent annual budgets.
He explained that the arrangement was designed to ensure that gratuity obligations would be systematically provided for and prevent the accumulation of future arrears, rather than indicating that payments would end in 2031.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, were also present at the briefing.
