To be honest, I feel somewhat uncomfortable saying that renowned fast food chains like Chicken Republic, Domino’s Pizza, Coldstone Ice Cream, and shopping malls like Market Square just opened shop in Aba for the very first time.When I brought my family back from Lagos after my seven years sojourn, one of my most difficult moments was having to find an answer to my children’s questions about the total absence of such things in Aba.
As of 2015, there was no way to enter Aba through the Akwa Ibom flank. The only entry point then was the Aba-Ikot Ekpene federal highway. With the total collapse of that road, there was a total annihilation of business from the Akwa Ibom route. The only available route was through Osisioma Junction and the trip from to that Junction from the Port Harcourt Road Junction was so long and became a huge disincentive to the average Porth Harcourt businessman. Gradually, that end of the Aba economic oxygen was plugged off. The result? Economic asphyxiation set in.
Under the above circumstances, no businessman will have the nerve to bring any investment here. Not even a fast food shop. It’s the simple truth! If you want to know the volume of trade between Aba and the Akwa Ibom flank, go to Ogbor Hill between 6pm and 6.30pm. The number of vehicles moving goods from Aba and headed for Akwa Ibom and Cross River states will shock you.
As these things unfold gradually, the business community is watching with keen interest. They are observing.