Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has stated that his administration has cut the state’s debt burden by more than 70 per cent while delivering over 800 kilometres of roads within its first three years in office.
Speaking at the grand finale of activities commemorating his third anniversary at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Thursday, Otti said his government had transformed the state through infrastructure development, fiscal discipline, and citizen-focused governance.
He assured residents that the administration would maintain its development momentum and continue managing public resources responsibly.
The governor revealed that, as of March 2026, Abia’s debt profile had been reduced by over 70 per cent despite significant spending on infrastructure projects.
According to Otti, a key factor behind the administration’s achievements over the past 36 months has been its strong adherence to fiscal responsibility.
“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.
He noted that the administration had completed 414 road projects covering more than 800 kilometres, while another 82 road projects spanning over 200 kilometres were still in progress.
Among the major infrastructure projects highlighted were 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.
In the health sector, Otti said nearly 1,000 healthcare workers had been employed and posted to facilities across the state.
He added that the government consistently dedicates 15 per cent of the state budget to healthcare and has renovated and equipped hundreds of health centres and general hospitals.
On education, the governor said the administration has sustained a minimum budget allocation of 20 per cent to the sector and recruited 5,394 teachers in the past year.
He further disclosed plans to hire an additional 4,000 teachers in response to rising school enrolment across the state.
Otti also pointed to investments in technology and youth empowerment, noting the introduction of training programmes in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. He added that over N300 million has been set aside to support innovation-driven enterprises.
Reaffirming his commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor assured that salaries and pensions would continue to be paid without delay.
He also reported notable progress in addressing insecurity through partnerships with security agencies and local communities.
Speaking on behalf of Abia’s federal lawmakers, the member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, said Otti had exceeded expectations through tangible development projects across the state.
He also stated that National Assembly members from Abia fully support the governor’s bid for a second term in 2027.
Elder statesman Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, also praised Otti’s leadership, saying his administration has renewed public trust in governance.
Representing Abia women, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, commended the governor for advancing inclusiveness and merit-based appointments in public service.
She noted that women currently hold 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” across infrastructure, healthcare, education, urban renewal, and youth empowerment.
The anniversary event featured parades, ceremonial salutes, and a guard of honour in celebration of the administration’s third year in office.
