Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal transparency, accountability, and responsible governance following Abia State’s impressive rise in the latest BudgIT States Performance Report.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with representatives of BudgIT Foundation at the Government House, Governor Otti said transparency remains a core principle of his government and cannot be compromised under any circumstance.
According to the governor, prudent management of public funds is essential for building trust between government and citizens. He emphasized that every official serving in his administration must uphold transparency because public service involves managing resources that belong to the people.
Governor Otti noted that his administration has taken firm decisions against individuals who failed to align with the government’s transparency standards, stressing that accountability sits at the center of his leadership philosophy.
The governor also expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration with BudgIT Foundation to further improve transparency and governance in Abia State. He commended the organization for its continued engagement with the state and described the partnership as beneficial for institutional learning and improved public service delivery.
Addressing the issue of fiscal sustainability, Governor Otti explained that his administration has focused more on creating economic opportunities and improving living conditions rather than aggressively pursuing internally generated revenue (IGR).
He revealed that when his administration assumed office, Abia’s infrastructure, healthcare system, sanitation, and educational sector were in poor condition. According to him, none of the 948 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state was functioning effectively at the time.
The governor stated that his administration’s first responsibility was to create an enabling environment for businesses and residents before demanding increased taxation from citizens.
He added that taxation should be viewed as government’s share of the prosperity created within society, noting that people can only contribute meaningfully when the economy works for them.
Governor Otti disclosed that Abia State recorded about ₦70 billion in internally generated revenue in the previous fiscal year against a target of ₦120 billion. He added that the state has projected ₦220 billion for the current year, while acknowledging that the government remains focused on steady progress rather than unhealthy competition.
According to him, the true measure of governance lies in whether citizens are experiencing better living conditions, improved healthcare access, quality education, and stronger economic opportunities compared to previous years.
Earlier, the Global Director of BudgIT Foundation, Oluseun Onigbinde, praised Governor Otti for demonstrating strong commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
Onigbinde explained that BudgIT Foundation works to promote sound public finance management, fiscal transparency, and citizen participation in governance. He said the delegation visited Abia State to explore strategic partnerships in areas such as fiscal sustainability, accountability, and social investment.
Also speaking during the visit, Vahyala Kwaga commended the governor’s reform-driven leadership and highlighted Abia State’s remarkable improvement in the organisation’s transparency rankings.
According to Kwaga, Abia State moved from 17th position to 4th place in the 2025 BudgIT States Performance Report within just two years, describing the achievement as commendable and worthy of national recognition.
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Several top government officials attended the meeting, including the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and the Accountant General of the State, Mrs. Njum Onyemanam.
