From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that the state’s debt profile has declined significantly, dropping from ₦147.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023 to ₦48.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026, representing a reduction of approximately ₦98.6 billion.
The Governor made this known during the October edition of his monthly media interaction, tagged “Dr Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” where he provided updates on his administration’s financial management, infrastructure development, healthcare, education and other ongoing projects across the state.
Addressing concerns over reports of an increase in Abia’s foreign debt obligations, Otti explained that the figures were largely associated with the utilisation of funds under existing multilateral financing arrangements, particularly the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSID) and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
He maintained that his administration had not undertaken any direct borrowing, stressing that any future borrowing would be carefully considered and directed towards projects capable of generating economic and developmental benefits.
“So far, there’s no direct borrowing by the government. But that doesn’t mean we won’t borrow if it becomes absolutely necessary. We will borrow for regenerative projects, at the right time,” the Governor stated.
Abia Ranks Second in Climate Governance, Housing Project Oversubscribed
Providing further updates on the state’s performance, Governor Otti announced that Abia State secured second position in the 2025/2026 Climate Governance Ranking.
He also revealed that his administration had issued more than 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy within three years, describing the achievement as part of efforts to strengthen land administration and improve property ownership documentation.
On housing development, the Governor disclosed that the newly introduced housing project in Umuahia had attracted significant interest and was already oversubscribed. He added that the balloting exercise for prospective beneficiaries would commence soon.
CKC Aba Water Project Ready for Commissioning
In another major infrastructure announcement, Otti disclosed that the Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba, water project had been completed and was ready for commissioning.
The Governor commended the team responsible for delivering the project, noting that his administration was determined to revive public water supply across Abia communities and restore the convenience of accessing clean running water in residential homes.
He expressed his administration’s broader ambition to ensure that residents no longer depend entirely on alternative and often expensive sources of water.
The Governor also announced that the solar mini-grid installed at the Nnenna Bus Terminal had been successfully energised, with electric buses already utilising the facility’s charging infrastructure.
He further expressed confidence that the charging facilities at the new bus terminal in Aba would be completed ahead of its commissioning.
According to him, the government was exploring alternative energy solutions to reduce dependence on conventional public electricity supply and improve the sustainability of its transportation infrastructure.
Another Smart School to Be Commissioned as Number Rises to 21
On education, Governor Otti announced that another smart school would soon be commissioned, bringing the total number of smart schools planned across Abia State to 21 following approval for an additional facility.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of education in both public and private institutions through standardisation, infrastructure development and healthy competition.
The Governor explained that a committee established over two years ago to assess government interventions in the education sector had submitted its findings.
He said the approved position was that improvements in public schools should encourage private institutions to strengthen their facilities, teaching standards and overall learning environment rather than weaken their competitiveness.
Abia Activates Ebola Preventive Measures, Records Over 31,000 Screenings
Speaking on public health, Otti disclosed that the state had activated precautionary measures following the confirmation of an index Ebola case in Nigeria.
Although no Ebola infection had been recorded in Abia, he said an isolation facility had been designated at the Modern Child Hospital as part of the state’s emergency preparedness arrangements.
He urged residents to remain calm while observing recommended health and safety protocols, assuring them that the government was prepared to respond appropriately if the situation required further intervention.
The Governor also highlighted achievements in healthcare delivery, revealing that more than 31,000 screening exercises had been conducted, while 1,811 patients had benefited from surgical procedures.
Among the beneficiaries were 304 residents who received free cataract operations under the administration’s healthcare intervention programmes.
He explained that the free surgeries were designed to support vulnerable citizens who could not afford essential medical treatment, maintaining that financial limitations should not prevent residents from accessing necessary healthcare services.
Otti Explains ABSAA Charges, Road Construction Priorities
Responding to questions concerning fees imposed by the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSAA), the Governor said the agency was responsible for determining and justifying its charges in line with its operational responsibilities and revenue targets.
He noted that the agency retained the authority to review its rates where necessary, adding that his administration would avoid unnecessary interference in the agency’s day-to-day operations.
On road infrastructure, Otti explained that the government had assessed the state’s road network and classified projects according to their economic significance, urgency and available resources.
He said major roads in Aba and Umuahia initially received priority attention because their deteriorated conditions had negatively affected commercial activities, restricted movement, weakened internally generated revenue and contributed to unemployment and poverty.
The Governor assured residents that other roads across the state would also receive attention as resources became available.
He, however, emphasised that government must operate within realistic financial limits instead of making commitments that could become difficult to sustain.
Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Systematic Development
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration remained focused on addressing Abia’s developmental challenges through a gradual, strategic and sustainable approach.
He maintained that government policies and projects would continue to be guided by available resources, economic priorities and the collective interest of residents.
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The Governor’s latest disclosures highlight the administration’s stated priorities in debt management, public infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and alternative energy, as it continues to pursue its development agenda across Abia State.
