Gov. Otti directs MDA heads to ensure timely payment of workers’ entitlements

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning to the heads of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that workers receive their approved salaries, pensions, and other entitlements promptly. He cautioned that failure to comply with this directive would be considered a violation of state government policy and could attract sanctions.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday during the first edition of this year’s monthly media briefing, tagged “Governor Otti Speaks,” held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia. The statement came in response to concerns that some newly employed teachers and other state workers had not received salaries for up to five months.

He specifically highlighted the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and the Office of the Accountant-General as departments allegedly delaying payments.

“I have made money for payments to all who work for us available. I do not know why those in charge have refused to pay,” Governor Otti said. He directed the ASUBEB Chairman and the Accountant-General to ensure that payments are made promptly, before such matters are brought to his attention.

Education sector reforms and teacher recruitment

Governor Otti also provided updates on the state’s education reforms, noting a sharp rise in enrolment in public schools. Reports from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education indicate that student enrolment has surged from around 117,000 a year ago to over 300,000 as of last month.

To accommodate this growth, the governor confirmed that recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers is ongoing. “We will continue our push to make education available and affordable for every Nigerian living here. Reconstruction projects are ongoing in different schools,” he added.

Infrastructure improvements are also underway in tertiary institutions, including Abia State University, Uturu; Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu; and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, with major hostel construction ongoing at permanent sites.

Infrastructure projects

Governor Otti announced that the completed Omenuko Bridge, along with the Abam–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road, will be commissioned on 13 February 2026. He recalled that the bridge, which dates back to the colonial era, had long been a source of hardship due to its narrow carriageway and poor condition.

“The newly completed Omenuko Bridge will ease transportation and enhance connectivity between Arochukwu, Abam, Ohafia, and the rest of Abia State,” he said.

Additional major road projects are also scheduled for flag-off, including the reconstruction of Uratta Road and the Old Express Road in Aba, aimed at completing the full recovery of the city’s commercial road network.

Governor Otti noted that the state currently has over 30 road projects under contract, many nearing completion. Recent updates from Ovom Street indicate that the road is either completed or ready for commissioning.

Housing, digitalisation, and renewable energy initiatives

On housing, the governor said several projects are ready for flag-off, including the Pocket Layout Housing Construction for civil servants and housing developments in Mbaisi, Mgbarakuma, and Ubakala.

He also revealed a partnership to digitally map and rate all hotels and hospitality facilities in Abia State using GPS and verified criteria, allowing residents and visitors to access information and rates online.

In science and technology, Governor Otti announced the launch of a pilot bio-gas programme at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. “Instead of disposing of waste, we will convert it into clean energy to power multiple locations, particularly within the Umuahia ring fence,” he said.

Health and water projects

The governor reported that Phase 1 of Project Ekwueme – covering 200 primary healthcare centres – has been completed, with many centres now functional. He also noted the recruitment of over 600 healthcare professionals to staff these centres.

A new general hospital in Ndoki, Ukwa East, is under construction, and the Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, water project is 90% complete, set to supply clean pipe-borne water to surrounding areas.

Governor Otti’s briefing underscored his administration’s commitment to improving public service delivery, education, infrastructure, housing, health, and energy, with a clear directive to MDAs to prioritise timely payment of workers’ entitlements.