Abia Governor Otti Reveals 800 Kilometers of Road Construction Completed, Slashes State Debt by Seventy Percent Over Three-Year Period

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has achieved a significant reduction in the state's debt burden, slashing it by over 70 per cent, while also completing more than 800 kilometres of roads within a three-year period.

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This feat was accomplished through his administration's focus on infrastructure development, fiscal discipline, and people-oriented governance, as highlighted by Otti during the grand finale of activities marking his third anniversary at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Thursday.

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According to Otti, the state's debt profile had decreased by over 70 per cent as of March 2026, despite substantial investments in infrastructure, demonstrating his administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility.

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The governor attributed the remarkable progress made in the last 36 months to his firm commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating that his administration's capital expenditure profile is among the highest in Nigeria, with over 70 per cent of inherited public debts liquidated.

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Otti's administration has completed 414 road projects covering more than 800 kilometres, with an additional 82 road projects spanning over 200 kilometres currently at various stages of completion, showcasing the government's infrastructure development efforts.

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Notable projects executed by his administration include 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, demonstrating the government's focus on infrastructure development.

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In the health sector, Otti's administration has recruited and deployed nearly 1,000 healthcare workers across health facilities in the state, while consistently allocating 15 per cent of the state budget to healthcare and renovating and equipping hundreds of health centres and general hospitals.

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The government has maintained a minimum budgetary allocation of 20 per cent to the education sector and recruited 5,394 teachers last year, with plans to employ an additional 4,000 teachers due to increased school enrolment across the state.

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Otti's administration has also introduced training programmes in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cyber security, as part of its investments in technology and youth development, with over N300 million earmarked for innovation-driven enterprises.

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The governor reaffirmed his commitment to workers' welfare, assuring that salaries and pensions would continue to be paid promptly, while also highlighting significant progress in tackling insecurity through collaboration with security agencies and local communities.

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On behalf of Abia federal lawmakers, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe commended Otti for surpassing expectations through visible development projects across the state, while also expressing the National Assembly members' full support for the governor's second-term ambition in 2027.

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Elder statesman Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, praised Otti's leadership, stating that his administration has restored public confidence in governance, while the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, praised the governor for promoting inclusiveness and merit in public service.

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Mrs Felix noted that women currently occupy more than 85 per cent of permanent secretary positions in the state, demonstrating the administration's commitment to promoting inclusiveness.

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Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Secretary to the State Government, described the administration's three years in office as a period of "visible and measurable progress" in infrastructure, healthcare, education, urban renewal, and youth empowerment.

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The event marking the administration's third anniversary featured parades, ceremonial salutes, and a guard of honour, providing a fitting conclusion to the celebration.