Otti says Abia completed 800km of roads, cut debt by 70% in three years

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration has reduced the state’s debt burden by more than 70 per cent while completing over 800 kilometres of roads within three years in office.

Speaking at the grand finale of activities marking his third anniversary at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Thursday, Otti said his administration had repositioned the state through infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and people-oriented governance.

He pledged to sustain the pace of development and prudent management of public resources.

According to the governor, Abia’s debt profile had been reduced by over 70 per cent as of March 2026 despite massive investments in infrastructure.

“Part of the reasons we have made remarkable progress in the last 36 months is our firm commitment to fiscal responsibility.

“Our capital expenditure profile is among the highest in Nigeria and yet we have liquidated over 70 per cent of inherited public debts. We cannot afford frivolities when there is so much work to be done,” he said.

Otti disclosed that his administration had completed 414 road projects covering more than 800 kilometres, while 82 additional road projects spanning over 200 kilometres were at various stages of completion.

He listed some of the major projects executed by his administration to include the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road in Aba, the six-lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia, Omenuko Bridge and the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road.

The governor also highlighted achievements in the health sector, saying nearly 1,000 healthcare workers had been recruited and deployed across health facilities in the state.

According to him, the administration consistently allocates 15 per cent of the state budget to healthcare, while hundreds of health centres and general hospitals have been renovated and equipped.

On education, Otti said the government had maintained a minimum budgetary allocation of 20 per cent to the sector and recruited 5,394 teachers last year.

He added that plans were underway to employ an additional 4,000 teachers following increased school enrolment across the state.

The governor further highlighted investments in technology and youth development, noting that the state had introduced training programmes in software engineering, artificial intelligence and cyber security.

He said more than N300 million had been earmarked for innovation-driven enterprises.

Otti reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare, assuring that salaries and pensions would continue to be paid promptly.

He also said his administration had made significant progress in tackling insecurity through collaboration with security agencies and local communities.

Speaking on behalf of Abia federal lawmakers, the member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, said Otti had surpassed expectations through visible development projects across the state.

He added that National Assembly members from Abia were fully supportive of the governor’s second-term ambition in 2027.

Also speaking, elder statesman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, commended Otti’s leadership and said his administration had restored public confidence in governance.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, who spoke on behalf of Abia women, praised the governor for promoting inclusiveness and merit in public service.

She said women currently occupy more than 85 per cent of permanent secretary positions in the state.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, described the administration’s three years in office as a period of “visible and measurable progress” in infrastructure, healthcare, education, urban renewal and youth empowerment.

The event featured parades, ceremonial salutes and a guard of honour to mark the administration’s third anniversary.

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