Kehinde Fajobi
Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced that his administration has cleared ₦90 billion of the ₦191.2 billion debt inherited from previous administrations within 15 months.
He also reported a $159 million boost in foreign direct investment (FDI) between June 2023 and June 2024.
Speaking at a media briefing in Umuahia on Thursday, Otti emphasised that his government has not borrowed funds since taking office.
“I inherited ₦191.3 billion from my predecessor in May 2023. Today, we have paid over ₦90 billion of that debt while maintaining monthly salary and pension payments.
“I have not borrowed a kobo from anybody,” he stated, adding that these achievements were due to “prudent management of scarce resources.”
On attracting foreign investment, Otti noted Abia’s rise from 27th to 3rd in Nigeria’s FDI rankings, attributing the surge to improved infrastructure and a supportive environment for investors.
“Investors don’t listen to platitudes; they look at actions. Without any campaign, we have had investors coming into Abia,” he explained, citing recent visits from investors from Italy, Turkey, and the United States.
In agriculture, Otti shared that 300 Abians, recently trained in modern farming practices in Nasarawa State, have been funded to support food security efforts.
He further mentioned the creation of the Greater Ohafia Development Commission (GADO) to ensure balanced development across Abia’s senatorial districts, complementing the existing Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and Umuahia Capital Development Agency (UCDA).
Discussing infrastructure, the governor said his administration has launched several road projects to improve accessibility statewide.
Notable projects include the 5-kilometer Onuimo Bridge-Abia Tower Umuahia Road and the 11.5-kilometer Obehie-Owaza Road.
He also confirmed that Julius Berger is on track to complete the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba by February 2025.
Otti highlighted his administration’s commitment to a zero-pothole policy, ensuring ongoing repairs across the state.