Abuja is changing gears in an admirable way. Engr. Dr. Jude Ifeanyichukwu Igboabuchi, FNSE, FNICE, stands firm as a pillar of Abuja’s infrastructure development. He is the go-to workaholic who towers as a cornerstone of engineering excellence within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Igboabuchi, a COREN-registered Civil Engineer and distinguished Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE), is a driving force in building a prosperous Abuja. His career exemplifies profound dedication to national infrastructure development.
Born in Achalla-Umuchu in Aguata LGA of Anambra State, Dr. Igboabuchi took a 1988 B.Eng. (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1988, and eventually joined the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1990. He rose steadily through the ranks to his current position as Acting Director of Engineering Services. He has been instrumental in translating the Abuja Master Plan into reality over a remarkable 35-year tenure.
Igboabuchi provided the needed leadership that directly shaped critical infrastructure across the FCT. The resourceful engineer spearheaded the supervision of complex, large-scale projects including the comprehensive engineering infrastructure development for Jabi District (Phases I, II, and Variation Contract), the vital Wuye Sewage Treatment Plant, and the significant expansion of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Phase II). The airport project notably enhanced passenger capacity to 1.7 million annually, and greatly modernized the terminal facilities. An engineer of ennobling influence, he also oversaw crucial works like the Katampe District PPP infrastructure, sections of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX Stage III), and the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX).
Dr. Igboabuchi thrives beyond project execution. He is a trust advisor, and has chaired or served on over 25 pivotal, technical committees for the Federal Government, reviewing master plans (Abuja Water & Sewage, Abuja Rail Mass Transit), evaluating major tenders, vetting designs (Bill Clinton Drive, INEX), and ensuring adherence to the Abuja Master Plan. The personable man’s expertise spans Project Management, Urban Infrastructure, PPP, and Procurement.
A committed professional and active NSE member, Engr. Dr. Igboabuchi has over years been lionized, and his contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including a Humanitarian Services Award and an Honorary Doctorate.
He had his primary education at Community Primary School, Achalla-Umuchiu in 1975. He then proceeded to All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, and he obtained a Diploma in Latin in 1979 from Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu (Affiliate of Pontificia Universitas Urbaniana, Rome). He eventually concluded his secondary education at St. John’s Secondary School, Alor, in Anambra State, where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate in 1980. He got employed as an auxiliary teacher for a year at St. Peter’s Secondary School, Achina, Aguata LGA, Anambra State. It was in 1983 that he gained admission into the Department of Civil Engineering at UNN. After graduation in 1988, he was posted to Bendel State Agricultural Development Programme, Benin City for the National Youth Service from 1988 to 1989.
Joining the services of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1990, he has attended several professional development programmes, conferences and workshops mostly in Project Management, Urban Infrastructure Development, Procurement of Works and Services, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the development of Engineering Infrastructure etc.
Engr. Dr. Igboabuchi has served the Federal Government in the following capacities: Member, Technical Committee for the Review of Abuja City Water and Sewage Masterplan (2021); Member, Technical Committee on the Review and Implementation of Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project (2010); Secretary, Technical Committee for the Development of 2nd Runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (2016); Chairman, Technical Committee on the Evaluation of the Cumulative Damage effect on Traffic Overload on the Lower Usman Dam – Abuja; Chairman, Financial Bid Evaluation Report for provision of Engineering Infrastructure to Plot 4075 Asokoro Extension (comprising 50 Plots) Abuja; Chairman, Pre-quantification of Engineering companies for the upgrading of the existing Engineering Infrastructure to Apo-Garki Resettlement Town in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Member, Technical committee on the Review of the Design of the proposed extension of Airport Expressway from Bill Clinton Drive Junction to Giri Junction, Abuja; Chairman, vetting of Engineering Design of the two service carriageways of the inner northern (INEX) from RR3 to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX); Chairman, vetting of Engineering Design for the full scope Development of Bill Clinton Drive (Arterial Road); Chairman, committee on monitoring of violation on the Abuja Master Plan etc.
The hobbies of Dr. Igboabuchi are reading, football, music, dancing and cultural display. He remains hard at work to exalt Abuja amongst the topmost capital cities on God’s earth.