Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed that his administration has paid off ₦72 billion out of the ₦138 billion debt it inherited from previous administrations, without taking any new loans since assuming office.
Speaking at a monthly media briefing on Wednesday at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti cited figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) as of December 2024, showing the state’s debt profile had been reduced to ₦66 billion.
“By their own numbers, we have paid down ₦72 billion of inherited debt and we have added no dime in borrowing,” the governor stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prudent financial management.
He criticized past administrations for financial recklessness and clarified that the actual debt might be higher than DMO figures, as those do not include salary arrears, pensions, and contractors’ debts.
“We will continue to be prudent and ensure that no kobo of Abia money is wasted,” Otti emphasized.
The governor also addressed progress in healthcare delivery, particularly through “Project Ekwueme,” an initiative to renovate and construct 200 primary healthcare centres. He reported that 103 centres are currently at about 70 per cent completion. Additionally, a World Bank-supported initiative is adding 67 more health facilities across the state.
Otti disclosed plans to launch a $1.3 billion Medical City project in Abia on May 29, in partnership with a private investor. The facility, he said, aims to reclaim a portion of the over $2 billion Nigerians spend annually on medical tourism.
In the education sector, the governor reported a surge in enrolment due to the introduction of free and compulsory basic education, with over 700,000 children currently benefiting. To support this, he announced the recruitment of 9,000 new teachers.
On infrastructure, Otti revealed that the Port Harcourt Road project in Aba, executed by Julius Berger, will be completed by the second week of May and formally commissioned on May 29.
He also reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and outlined ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity.
Governor Otti concluded by urging media organizations to verify their reports through official channels to avoid misinformation and promote responsible journalism.
