Members of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Board have lauded the Abia State Government for its commendable strides in infrastructure and public service delivery, attributing the visible transformation to the ideals of resource accountability, transparency, and effective public finance management.
The commendation followed an extensive tour of project sites in Aba by NEITI officials after concluding their strategic retreat held in Umuahia, the state capital.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the inspection, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, expressed satisfaction with the level of development observed, describing it as a clear demonstration of the responsible application of extractive revenues.
“We are not here as politicians but as technocrats. NEITI exists to ensure that revenues from oil, gas, and mining are deployed for development and poverty reduction.
“What we have seen here confirms that Abia State, an oil-producing state, is putting its share of national resources to tangible use,” Orji stated.
Dr Orji recalled a prior visit to the same area, during which he was moved to tears due to the state of neglect.
He contrasted that memory with the dramatic transformation under the current administration, likening the pace of development to the legacy of former Governor Sam Mbakwe.
“The last time I stood here, I wept. What I see now reminds me of the era of Sam Mbakwe. The roads, markets, and public infrastructure are visibly improved, and the people’s response to the governor’s efforts is overwhelmingly positive,” he added.
The NEITI team toured key locations in Aba, including Port Harcourt Road, Emelogu Street, Aba-Owerri Road, and the Ariaria International Market.
The board noted significant enhancements in access roads, commercial viability, and general public infrastructure, all of which they described as critical indicators of sustainable development driven by transparency in resource management.
Other members of the NEITI Board also praised the synergy between the state and federal governments in advancing development objectives.
The Alternate Chairman of NEITI, Ambassador Sunday Adoli, said Abia State under Governor Alex Otti has become a model of how oil-derived revenue can be effectively translated into real-world improvements.
“Governor Otti is translating resources into results. It’s encouraging to see that he recognises President Tinubu’s leadership and complements it with visible state-level delivery,” Adoli said.
The delegation also included Mr Dele Ayanleke of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dr Erisa Danladi representing civil society, and Dr Loveth Ononuga from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Each commended the governor’s development-focused agenda, noting that it aligns with NEITI’s mission of fostering people-oriented governance in resource-producing states.
According to the NEITI Board, Abia State currently stands as a national reference point for how extractive revenues should be applied, prioritising grassroots development, improving public infrastructure, and uplifting the standard of living for residents.
Their verdict comes at a time when public demand for transparency in governance and accountability in the use of public funds continues to grow nationwide.
NEITI’s positive appraisal of Abia State sets a benchmark for other oil-producing states to emulate in ensuring that natural resource wealth translates into tangible benefits for citizens.
