Governor Alex Otti of Abia State announced that his administration has repaid N90 billion of the N191.2 billion debt inherited from previous administrations within his first 15 months in office.
Speaking during a media session in Umuahia, he highlighted his administration’s commitment to financial transparency and responsible spending, adding that he has not borrowed from any institution since taking office.
Governor Otti also revealed that Abia State attracted $159 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) from June 2023 to June 2024, moving up from 27th to 3rd place among Nigerian states in FDI.
He attributed this progress to his administration’s focus on creating an investment-friendly environment, including improvements in infrastructure, which has drawn investors from Italy, Turkey, and the U.S. “We saw the need to lay the foundations for investment growth,” Otti said, explaining that the presence of reliable infrastructure naturally attracts investors without the need for active campaigning.
Key Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
Governor Otti discussed several ongoing and new infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and development across Abia. His administration has awarded contracts for major road projects, including the expansion of the 5-kilometer Onuimo Bridge-Abia Tower Umuahia road and construction of the 11.5-kilometer Ntigha Road, the 11.27-kilometer Mbala-Ngodo Isuochi Road, and the 11.5-kilometer Obehie-Owaza Road in Ukwa. The governor secured assurances from Julius Berger, the construction company working on the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, that it would be completed by February 2025.
Further, Otti reiterated his administration’s “zero-pothole policy” and reported ongoing progress on other critical road projects, such as the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia and Ohafia-Atochukwu roads.
Agriculture and Regional Development Efforts
In a bid to enhance food security, Governor Otti approved funds for 300 Abians to receive training in modern farming techniques. Additionally, he introduced the Greater Ohafia Development Commission to complement the existing Greater Aba Development Authority and Umuahia Capital Development Agency, ensuring balanced growth across all senatorial districts in the state.
Governor Otti concluded by emphasizing his administration’s dedication to fostering a self-sustaining economy, improving Abia’s infrastructure, and creating opportunities that encourage Abians to invest in their home state.
