Governor Alex Otti says Abia reduced its debt by 60% as his administration prepares to commission projects marking three years in office.
From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has revealed that his administration has reduced Abia State’s debt profile by nearly 60 percent within three years, as preparations intensify for the commissioning of several completed projects to mark his third anniversary in office.
Speaking during the May edition of the monthly media parley, “Governor Otti Speaks,” held in Umuahia, the governor highlighted major achievements recorded across infrastructure, fiscal management, transportation, sanitation, health, education, and land administration since assuming office in 2023.
According to the governor, Abia State’s debt burden dropped from about N121 billion in 2023 to less than N50 billion by the end of 2025. He attributed the achievement to prudent financial management, transparency, and strict fiscal discipline introduced by his administration.
Governor Otti noted that the state’s improved financial standing has also earned recognition from independent assessment organisations. He cited the BudgIT State of States report, which ranked Abia fourth in 2025 after placing the state 17th in 2023.
He stated that the improved ranking reflects growing confidence in the state’s governance structure and accountability framework.
The governor further disclosed that his administration has intensified efforts to recover government assets allegedly acquired illegally by private individuals. He explained that some of the affected persons have challenged the government in court, but assured that the administration remains determined to protect public property and prevent unlawful occupation of government assets.
To strengthen urban planning and land administration, Otti announced the completion of the new Aba Master Plan, developed in partnership with international development agencies. He said the initiative would soon be officially launched to guide the city’s future development.
The governor also revealed that his administration has signed over 4,077 Certificates of Occupancy within three years, describing the move as a major boost for property ownership, transparency, and investor confidence.
According to him, the government has commenced the digitisation of land records and survey documents to establish a centralised verification system capable of detecting fake or duplicate land documents.
On infrastructure development, Governor Otti disclosed that his administration completed 414 roads spanning approximately 864.12 kilometres across the state within three years.
He added that another 82 roads covering over 212 kilometres are currently under construction at different stages of completion, with many of the completed projects set for commissioning as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.
The governor stressed that the road projects are designed to reduce transportation costs, improve commerce, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth across Abia communities.
Speaking on sanitation, Otti recalled that his administration declared a state of emergency on waste management shortly after assuming office.
He stated that Abia has now emerged as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria through the activities of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which evacuates more than 13 tonnes of waste weekly and has created over 2,000 jobs.
In the transport sector, the governor disclosed that the state transport initiative has already conveyed over 326,000 passengers. He announced that 20 new buses are expected by July, while an additional 30 buses would arrive before the end of the year.
Governor Otti further revealed that the Umuahia Multimodal Transport Terminal has been completed and will be commissioned on May 27, while work on the Aba terminal is expected to be completed next year.
He added that the government is also installing solar hybrid charging systems for buses and has delivered 70 bus shelters across Umuahia and Aba to improve public transportation.
The governor maintained that his administration has remained committed to restoring confidence in governance through strategic reforms, prudent management of resources, and people-focused policies.
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According to him, the government’s achievements in infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, social justice, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and public utilities have helped restore the pride and confidence of Abians both at home and in the diaspora.
