In just 15 months, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reduced the state’s debt by almost half without borrowing a single naira.
Otti announced this achievement during a media parley in Umuahia, revealing that he had paid off N90 billion of the N191.2 billion debt inherited from previous administrations.
He emphasized that Abia’s current financial stability is the result of “prudent management of scarce resources,” explaining that his administration has not relied on loans to tackle the state’s debts, infrastructure development, or other obligations.
“I inherited N191.3 billion from my predecessor in May 2023,” Otti said. “My predecessor inherited about N35 billion from his predecessor in 2015. But today, my administration has paid over N90 billion of the debt we inherited. We still pay salaries and pensions every month. And I have not borrowed a kobo from anybody.”
Otti’s straightforward approach has drawn widespread attention, both for its fiscal discipline and for the impact it is having on Abia’s economy.
“Investors don’t listen to platitudes; they look at actions,” he stated, discussing his administration’s proactive strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Abia.
The governor disclosed that Abia has recorded $159 million in FDI between June 2023 and June 2024, lifting the state from 27th to 3rd place in Nigeria for FDI attraction.
“These achievements are a product of prudent management,” Otti explained, noting that investment-driven initiatives and infrastructure development are attracting investors to Abia in ways the state has not seen in recent years.
He also shared that the focus of his administration has been to create an environment that is welcoming to investors. “When you don’t create a legitimate pathway, people won’t come. Investors come when the necessary environment is provided.”
Among those taking note is the renowned Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), who recently brought investors from Italy, Turkey, and the United States to Abia.
“Without any campaign, we have had investors coming to set up their investments in Abia,” Otti noted, highlighting his administration’s work in creating a business-friendly atmosphere that speaks louder than words.
The governor’s development agenda extends beyond business. As part of efforts to enhance agricultural self-sufficiency, Otti’s administration recently funded training for 300 Abia residents in modern farming techniques in Nasarawa State.
“Our goal is food security,” he said, adding that his government is working to make agriculture a viable economic option for Abians.
To further ensure balanced growth across Abia, Otti plans to establish the Greater Ohafia Development Commission, or GADO, which will complement existing regional development agencies in Aba and Umuahia.
“We need to complete the tripod of development agencies in the state to ensure that no senatorial district is left behind,” he said, affirming his commitment to inclusive development.
In terms of infrastructure, Otti announced new road projects aimed at making all parts of the state more accessible. He said that contracts have been awarded for several key roads, including the 5-kilometer Onuimo Bridge-Abia Tower Umuahia road, the 11.5-kilometer Ntigha Road, and the 11.27-kilometer Mbala-Ngodo Isuochi Road.
Otti also confirmed that the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, a strategic route for Abia’s economy, is being reconstructed by Julius Berger. He said that the road is expected to be completed by February 2025.
“Our zero-pothole policy is in progress,” he said, assuring Abians that several road construction projects are on schedule, including the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia road and the Ohafia-Atochukwu road.
