The Abia State Government has announced plans to commit about ₦5 billion to manpower training and development in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen public sector efficiency and institutional capacity.
Governor Alex Otti, disclosed this in his New Year broadcast on Thursday, January 1, 2026, titled “Rising to the Opportunities and Challenges of the New Year”, where he outlined key policy priorities for the year ahead.
According to the Governor, the investment in human capital development is anchored on the belief that the sustainability of public sector reforms depends largely on the competence and readiness of the workforce to deliver on government mandates.
“In 2026, we shall be committing about ₦5 billion to manpower training and development because for us, the only guarantee of the sustainability of any public sector reform is the readiness of institutions to effectively interpret and execute their service mandates”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor explained that his administration has already introduced a new work ethic across Ministries, Departments and Agencies through multiple layers of incentives, improved welfare packages and continuous capacity-building programmes designed to expose workers to modern tools and systems that enhance productivity.
He announced that as part of the reforms, arrangements had been concluded to establish a dedicated centre for the training and retraining of staff of various Public Sector establishments.
“I am glad to announce that arrangements have been concluded to set up a dedicated centre for the training and retraining of the staff of various public sector establishments to improve their skill-set and disposition to service”, he said.
Governor Otti further disclosed that the State Government would in the New Year redirect the system of deployment within public institutions to ensure that officers are assigned to roles that align with their skills and competencies.
“In the New Year, we shall also take steps to redirect the system of deployment in various public institutions.
“Individuals shall only be posted to offices where they are able to function, create value and improve general service performance”, the Governor stated.
He noted that the policy of placing the right persons in the right offices would strengthen the capacity of government to deliver results tied to rapid socio-economic development.
Governor Otti said the manpower development plan forms part of his strategy to consolidate the gains recorded by the administration in the last 31 months, particularly in Infrastructure, Education, Healthcare, Power, Agriculture and Land Administration.
He stressed that improved Human Capital is critical to achieving the State’s development objectives, including Job Creation, increased productivity and enhanced service delivery to citizens.
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration places people at the centre of governance, adding that public servants remain the engine room of policy execution.
He assured Abians that the State Government would continue to invest in systems and structures that promote efficiency, transparency and accountability.
The Governor urged Civil Servants to embrace the new reforms with dedication and professionalism, noting that the success of government programmes ultimately depends on the quality of execution.
He expressed optimism that sustained investments in manpower development would translate into improved governance outcomes and accelerate the State’s march towards inclusive growth and long-term development.
