Abia Governor Alex Otti says his administration has spent over ₦40 billion to clear salaries and pensions. Read the full report on his transformation agenda.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has made startling revelations about the financial burdens inherited by his administration—confirming that his government has so far committed over ₦40 billion to offset arrears of salaries and pensions owed by previous administrations in the state.
Speaking during the grand finale of events marking his second year anniversary in office at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Governor Otti declared that the shameful era of wage debt and partial pensions has ended under his leadership.
“When we came in, salaries were being owed. Pensions were also being owed. Some of our institutions, including the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, had lost accreditation. But today, I’m proud to say we’ve spent over ₦40 billion clearing those backlogs. And as I speak, I’m not sure we are owing anyone anymore,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration not only stopped the backlog but has also normalized monthly payments. Now, civil servants and pensioners alike receive their full entitlements by the 28th of every month.
In a move to modernize the state’s bureaucracy, Otti announced that the long-abandoned Old Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat has been fully retrofitted and now houses over 1,000 civil servants. He also revealed that the Abia Civil Service is set to go paperless, with internet connectivity being rolled out across the state by December 31, 2025.
“Our vision is clear—by year’s end, every corner of Abia will have access to internet. Our Digital Mall project will allow our people to order goods from home and get them delivered to their doorsteps. This is not just modernization—it’s empowerment,” Otti declared.
Beyond the civil service, the Governor showcased achievements in education, road infrastructure, health, and security. He unveiled the concept of a Medical City, which he says will position Abia as the medical tourism capital of Nigeria, capable of reversing the trend of Nigerians spending $2 to $2.5 billion annually on overseas healthcare.
“When Nigerians think of quality healthcare, they will think of Abia. We are building a destination for world-class medical solutions,” he added.
Business mogul Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha also praised the Governor, describing the past two years as “years of restoration,” and assured the full backing of the business community.
Meanwhile, the Umuahia Township Stadium was packed to capacity as jubilant crowds celebrated the Governor’s transformational leadership. Nigerian music superstar Flavour, comedian Basket Mouth, and Abia-born artistes like Ruffcoin, Exnel, and Onye Army lit up the night, turning governance into a spectacle of performance and hope.
With massive public support and visible achievements, Governor Otti is clearly positioning himself not just as a reformer—but as a leader determined to rewrite the story of Abia.
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