Otti: Abia Clears N72bn Inherited Liabilities Without Borrowing

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that his administration has not borrowed any funds since assuming office in May 2023, despite launching numerous infrastructural and social development projects across the state.

The governor made the disclosure during the April edition of his monthly media briefing, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Government House in Umuahia.

He stated that rather than adding to the state’s debt, his government had so far repaid N72 billion of the N138 billion debt inherited from previous administrations.

“This government is a very prudent government. By their [Debt Management Office] own numbers, we have paid down N72 billion of inherited debt. We have added no debt in growth,” Otti said.

“This is as a result of prudence, goodwill, and the ability to get the best deal in every transaction of the government.”

Citing a Debt Management Office (DMO) report as of December 2024, Otti said the state’s debt burden had dropped to N66 billion.

However, he cautioned that internal audits suggest the actual debt may be higher, considering outstanding liabilities such as unpaid salaries, pensions, and contractor fees.

The governor criticized previous administrations for what he described as “financial recklessness,” pledging that every kobo of Abia’s resources under his watch would be responsibly managed.

“Some people are used to wasting money. On the management of our resources, we will continue to be prudent and ensure that no trouble of hyper money is wasted,” he stated.

Healthcare and Education Top Development Agenda

Governor Otti highlighted significant progress in the health and education sectors. In healthcare, he revealed that the state government is constructing 200 primary healthcare centres, with approximately 130 already at various stages of completion. An additional 67 centres are being supported by the World Bank.

“Our aim is that wherever you live in Abia, you can access a primary healthcare centre within minutes. From there, referrals will go to one of our 22 upgraded secondary healthcare centres,” he said.

To support this system, the administration has approved the recruitment of 771 new health workers and improved salaries for existing staff.

Otti added that general hospitals across the state are undergoing upgrades, with a monitoring team deployed to enforce standards and ensure efficient service delivery.

On education, the governor reported a significant increase in student enrollment due to the introduction of free and compulsory basic education. Over 700,000 children are currently enrolled in the scheme.

To accommodate the surge, the government initially recruited 5,000 new teachers and recently approved the hiring of another 4,000, bringing the total to 9,000.

“We are not just hiring teachers. We are also investing in their training so that our children can be equipped with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, and electric vehicle technologies,” Otti said. “That is where the world is going.”

Flagship Project and Security Focus

Governor Otti also announced the upcoming launch of a $1.3 billion medical city in Aba, which he described as a flagship project intended to deliver world-class healthcare locally and reduce the outflow of patients seeking treatment abroad.

“We have signed off on a reviewed upgrade and transfer model. We have also agreed with a partner who is bringing the funding, and we have seen the colour of the money,” he confirmed.

Addressing security, the governor called on citizens to remain vigilant and proactive. “Security is everybody’s business. I urge Abians not to tolerate any act of insecurity. Whenever you see something, say something,” he said.

“Our security forces are up to the task and are doing very well.”

Governor Otti concluded the briefing by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and people-centered governance, promising that the transformation underway in Abia State would be both sustainable and inclusive.

Otti: Abia Clears N72bn Inherited Liabilities Without Borrowing is first published on The Whistler Newspaper