…………Governor Otti Reaffirms State’s Development Drive.
FIC Report (Abia State) – More than three decades after its creation, Abia State remains without a functional Federal Secretariat, a situation that continues to raise concerns about federal presence and service coordination in the state.
Although the Federal Government announced a site for the project last year, no visible construction has commenced, prompting questions about the prolonged delay and the absence of a clear timeline for delivery.
Reacting to the concern at his monthly media briefing, “Governor Otti Speaks,” held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti explained that the delay lies squarely with the Federal Government.
He disclosed that while Abia State has, on humanitarian and administrative grounds, assisted a few federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with temporary office accommodation, there is little more the state can do.
According to the governor, the affected federal arm had cited lack of budgetary allocation for the Federal Secretariat as the major constraint.
“We have intervened where we can, but the construction of a Federal Secretariat is purely a federal responsibility, dependent on federal budgetary provisions,” he said.
At the same briefing, Governor Otti issued a stern warning to heads of state MDAs over delays in the payment of approved salaries, pensions and other workers’ entitlements. He stressed that failure to ensure prompt payment would amount to a breach of government policy and would attract sanctions.
The warning followed complaints that some newly recruited teachers and other state workers had not been paid for up to five months. The governor specifically mentioned the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and the Office of the Accountant-General as offices allegedly responsible for the delays.
“I have made funds available for payments to everyone who works for us. I do not understand why those in charge have refused to pay”.
Governor Otti thereby directed the ASUBEB Chairman and the Accountant-General to resolve all outstanding payments immediately, without waiting for escalation to his office.
Governor Otti also highlighted significant progress in the education sector, revealing that enrolment in public schools has increased dramatically. Data from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education show that student enrolment has risen from about 117,000 a year ago to over 300,000 as at last month.
To manage the surge, the governor confirmed that the recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers is ongoing. “Our goal is to make quality education accessible and affordable for every Nigerian living here,” he said, adding that reconstruction and rehabilitation works are ongoing across several schools.
He further noted improvements in tertiary institutions, including Abia State University, Uturu,Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, where major hostel projects are currently underway.
On infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that the completed Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road will be commissioned on 13 February 2026. He recalled that the colonial-era bridge had long posed serious challenges due to its narrow width and poor condition.
“The new Omenuko Bridge will significantly improve transportation and connectivity between Arochukwu, Abam, Ohafia and other parts of Abia State,” he said.
He also disclosed that reconstruction works on Uratta Road and the Old Express Road in Aba would soon be flagged off, as part of efforts to fully restore Aba’s commercial road network.
In total, the state currently has over 30 road projects under contract, many of them nearing completion.
On housing ,the governor announced that several projects are ready for take-off, including pocket layout housing for civil servants and new housing developments in Mbawsi, Mgbarakuma and Ubakala.
He also revealed plans to digitally map and rate all hotels and hospitality facilities in the state using GPS technology and verified standards, enabling residents and visitors to access accurate information and pricing online.
On renewable energy, Governor Otti announced the launch of a pilot bio-gas project at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The initiative, he said, would convert waste into clean energy to power facilities within the Umuahia ring fence.
In the healthcare sector, the governor reported that Phase One of Project Ekwueme, covering 200 primary healthcare centres, have been completed, with many centres already functionalized.
Over 600 healthcare professionals have also been recruited to strengthen service delivery.
He added that construction of a new general hospital in Ndoki, Ukwa East, is ongoing, while the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu water project is 90 per cent complete and will soon provide potable water to surrounding communities.
Overall, Governor Otti’s briefing highlighted the contrast between federal constraints,such as the stalled Federal Secretariat, and the state government’s aggressive push in governance reforms, infrastructure development and improved service delivery across Abia State.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
Febuary 5,2026.
