Otti reels out scorecard as Abia marks three years of transformation

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti has presented the scorecard of his administration as he marks three years in office, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, fiscal reforms, healthcare, education, transportation and environmental sanitation.

Speaking during the May 2026 edition of his monthly media chat, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the renovated Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Friday night, the governor said the focus of his administration had been on restoring the dignity of the people through human capital development, infrastructure renewal, social justice and prudent management of public resources.

“The most important part of this administration is the impact it has made in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility and social justice, all wrapped up in restoring the dignity of our people,” Otti stated.

Road infrastructure

The governor said road construction remained a major priority because of its direct impact on economic growth and social development.

According to him, the administration has completed 414 roads spanning about 864.12 kilometres across the state within the last three years.

“In the last three years, we have constructed 414 roads with streetlights and drainage systems. We are consistent in delivering roads alongside streetlights and drainage,” he said.

He disclosed that another 82 roads measuring about 212 kilometres are currently at various stages of completion and would soon be commissioned.

Otti noted that the projects had reduced transportation costs, improved business activities, stimulated trade and created employment opportunities, while also strengthening the capacity of local engineers engaged in the projects.

Debt reduction and fiscal reforms

The governor revealed that his administration had reduced Abia State’s debt profile by about 60 per cent, from approximately N191 billion in 2023 to less than N50 billion at the end of 2025.

According to him, the reduction was achieved through ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at improving public finance management and transparency.

“Our government has also been positively rated, particularly in areas of fiscal sustainability, transparency and accountability,” he said.

He added that Abia moved from 17th position in the BudgIT State of States ranking in 2023 to fourth position in 2025.

“These are independent rankings. It gives an idea of how the government is being run,” the governor added.

Recovery of government assets

Otti also disclosed that the administration had recovered several assets allegedly acquired illegally by individuals.

“We have recovered a lot of stolen assets, especially from people who acquired them illegally. Some of them have challenged us in court and we have met them there,” he stated.

The governor explained that the state government had strengthened legal measures to criminalise the illegal acquisition and occupation of public property.

Environmental sanitation

On sanitation, Otti said his administration declared a state of emergency on waste management immediately after assuming office, leading to major improvements in environmental cleanliness across the state.

According to him, the state now evacuates about 13 tonnes of refuse weekly, while more than 2,000 jobs have been created through the activities of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency.

Transportation sector

The governor said the state’s transport initiative had so far conveyed more than 326,000 passengers.

He disclosed that 20 additional buses had already been acquired, while another 30 buses are expected before the end of the year.

Otti further revealed that more electric buses would arrive in the state by July as part of efforts to expand the transport system.

He announced that the new bus terminal in Umuahia would be commissioned on May 27, while charging stations were being installed in Umuahia and Aba to support the electric buses initiative.

To ensure sustainability, the governor said the administration was also installing solar-powered hybrid charging systems and had completed 70 bus shelters across Umuahia and Aba.

Land administration and master plan

In the area of lands and public buildings, Otti said the administration had intensified reforms in land administration and urban planning.

He disclosed that 4,707 Certificates of Occupancy had been signed so far, a figure he said exceeded the total number issued in the state between 1999 and 2023.

“We have completed the new Abia Master Plan in collaboration with UN-Habitat. It will be launched very soon,” he said.

The governor added that about four million land and survey documents had been scanned and digitised to create a centralised land records system.

Education and healthcare

On education, Otti highlighted the construction of smart schools, recruitment of teachers and ongoing reforms in institutions such as Abia State University, ASCETA and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

He said two smart schools located at Ubakala in Umuahia South and Umuomaiukwu in Isiala Ngwa North would soon be commissioned.

In the healthcare sector, the governor disclosed that 821 healthcare professionals had been recruited, while 771 had already been deployed to hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the state.

He added that more than 93,000 residents had enrolled in the state health insurance scheme.

According to him, 277 primary healthcare centres had been retrofitted statewide, with 121 already fully operational.

“Out of the 277 healthcare centres retrofitted, 200 were handled by the state government while 77 were supported by the World Bank. So far, 121 of them are fully functionalised,” he explained.

Otti also said reconstruction works were ongoing at General Hospitals in Ikwuano, Arochukwu, Okeikpe and Ohafia, while major upgrades were underway at Amachara, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba and Umunneato.

Anniversary activities

The governor invited residents to participate in activities lined up to mark the third anniversary of his administration beginning on Sunday, May 24, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Tradesmore Complex near Okpara Square in Umuahia.

Other activities include a special Executive Council meeting, project commissioning and flag-off ceremonies, lectures and the grand finale scheduled for Friday.

Otti assured residents that his administration would remain committed to restoring the dignity and welfare of Abians through people-oriented governance.