Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration has reduced the state’s debt profile from N147.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023 to N48.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026, representing a reduction of more than N90 billion.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday during the October Edition of his monthly media interaction, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians”, where he gave an account of his administration’s activities and performance across various sectors.
The Governor explained that the debt figures, as reported by the Debt Management Office (DMO), did not initially capture other outstanding obligations, including pension and salary arrears, as well as other liabilities.
According to him, the reduction in the State’s debt stock reflects his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible management of public resources.
Governor Otti also addressed concerns over reports of an increase in the state’s external loan portfolio, explaining that the development was largely attributable to drawdowns from multilateral financing arrangements, including the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (ABSIID) and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Gov Otti
He however, said that his administration would not rule out borrowing where necessary, insisting that any loan obtained by the State would be channelled into regenerative projects capable of generating economic returns and supporting long-term development.
“We will borrow for regenerative projects, like I’ve always said. So, if we have to borrow, it will be responsible borrowing, and borrowing that we will find our ways out of”, the Governor said.
He announced that Abia State had emerged second in the 2025/2026 climate governance ranking, describing the recognition as an indication of the positive impact of his administration’s environmental and climate-related initiatives.
Governor Otti attributed the State’s performance partly to interventions such as the introduction of green shuttle buses, adding that his government would sustain efforts towards environmentally responsible development.
The governor also highlighted progress in the state’s electric transportation initiative, disclosing that the solar mini-grid at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal had been successfully energised, with charging of electric buses already underway.
He said similar solar-powered charging infrastructure was being incorporated into the ongoing construction of the Osisioma Bus Terminal in Aba to ensure that the facilities would be ready when the terminal is commissioned.
Governor Otti further disclosed that work was progressing on the Abia State International Airport at Nsulu, with 2.8 kilometres of the proposed 3.8-kilometre runway already cleared and granite laying underway on nearly one kilometre of the cleared stretch.
The Governor said the project was progressing satisfactorily and expressed confidence that it would be delivered according to schedule.
On infrastructure, he said his administration was currently handling about 51 road projects, with the 12.6-kilometre Oberete, Akirika-Obu road already completed and scheduled for commissioning soon.
He added that 20 other roads projects remained were under construction, assuring residents that ongoing projects would be delivered.
The Governor also reported progress in the rehabilitation and solarisation of Primary Healthcare Centres, disclosing that 153 of the State’s 277 PHCs facilities had been functionalised.
He explained that the State Government had slowed down the process of opening the PHC facilities to the public to ensure that they were solar-powered before becoming fully operational.
Governor Otti also announced that the first phase of the CKC Abia water scheme was ready for commissioning, adding that work was progressing on the Ariaria and Ubakala water projects.
On healthcare delivery, he disclosed that the state had established 25 eye-care centres across the state, with approval granted for four additional centres, bringing the number to 29.
On education and youth development, Governor Otti said the State Government had increased the intake of its ThriveAbia Youth Programme from 100 to 1,000 participants following the encouraging outcomes recorded by the first cohort.
He disclosed that 87 participants graduated from the pilot programme, with 50 already earning income, while some had established businesses and others secured remote employment with international companies.
The Governor said the initiative, alongside programmes such as TechRise and the Abia State Leadership Academy, reflects his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with relevant skills, particularly in technology.
He also announced plans to deliver the third smart school in November, with additional schools scheduled for completion as part of the State’s Education infrastructure programme.
