Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has revealed that his administration has spent over ₦40 billion in the past two years to clear salary and pension arrears, as part of ongoing efforts to restore the dignity and financial stability of workers and retirees.
Speaking in Umuahia on Thursday during an event marking his administration’s second anniversary, themed “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum”, Otti said prompt salary and pension payments have now become routine, with workers paid by the 28th of each month.
Pensioners, he added, now receive full monthly payments, ending the longstanding issue of partial disbursements.
The governor also announced the complete renovation of the previously abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, which now accommodates nearly 1,000 civil servants.
He disclosed that plans are underway to digitise government operations by phasing out manual filing systems, with ministries and agencies being equipped with computers. Additionally, an agreement has been reached with telecoms giant MTN to provide full network coverage across the state by 31 December 2025.
The state, he added, will benefit from MTN’s proposed Aba Digital Mall, a project aimed at boosting e-commerce and trade within the region.
Reaffirming his commitment to education, Otti said 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget will continue to be allocated to the sector. Smart schools are currently under construction in all 17 Local Government Areas, he added.
According to him, the introduction of free basic education has significantly increased enrolment. To manage the influx, 5,300 teachers were recruited earlier in the year, with plans to engage another 4,000 soon. He stressed that the recruitment process would be merit-based and inclusive, regardless of candidates’ state of origin, ethnicity, or religion.
In healthcare, the governor announced that over 100 renovated Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) would be commissioned from 1 June. Work is also ongoing at 10 general hospitals and two specialist centres to expand access to quality healthcare.
Otti said the state is planning a “medical village” to reduce outbound medical tourism and position Abia as a healthcare hub.
On security, he credited the “Operation Crush” initiative for reclaiming areas in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato previously overrun by criminals. He commended the efforts of security agencies in maintaining law and order.
He also announced that several roads in Umuahia, Aba, and other towns are ready for commissioning from 1 June.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and prudent financial management, stressing that Abia is focused on building a private sector-led, business-friendly economy.
To support small businesses, he noted that ₦1 billion has been disbursed to empower 10,000 nano-businesses across the state.
On energy, the governor said Geometric Power currently generates 141 megawatts of electricity, with a fourth turbine set to boost capacity. Discussions are underway with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to isolate Umuahia as a power island, replicating the Aba model.
He said the initiative would provide more reliable electricity to areas including Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu. So far, nearly 7,000 solar-powered streetlights have been installed to promote a 24-hour economy and enhance security.
Otti said Abia has moved from being one of Nigeria’s dirtiest states to one of the cleanest, crediting citizens for embracing environmental sanitation.
He thanked civil servants, political appointees, healthcare workers, and sanitation staff for their contributions to the administration’s achievements, attributing the success to divine guidance and the support of Abians.
In goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Rep. Ginger Onwusibe praised the governor’s leadership and urged continued public support. Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and his deputy, Mr Austin Mmeregini, also passed a vote of confidence in the governor and pledged legislative support.
The anniversary celebration was attended by several dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu and ex-Ohafia council chairman.
