………Debt Profile Drops To ₦48.6BN – Governor Alex Otti.
FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced the activation of precautionary public health measures in the state following Nigeria’s Ebola index case, assuring residents that no case has been recorded in Abia.
Governor Otti disclosed this during the October media chat, “Dr. Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” in Umuahia.
He said an isolation centre had been designated at the Modern Child Hospital as part of the state’s preparedness and response measures.
On the state’s financial position, the Governor disclosed that Abia’s domestic debt profile had reduced from ₦147.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023 to ₦48.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026, representing a reduction of ₦98.6 billion.
Addressing concerns over the reported increase in foreign debt, Otti explained that it resulted from drawdowns on existing multilateral facilities, including the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID) and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
He maintained that his administration had undertaken no direct borrowing since assuming office, adding that any future borrowing would be strictly for regenerative projects and only when necessary.
“So far, there’s no direct borrowing by the government. But that doesn’t mean we won’t borrow if it becomes absolutely necessary. We will borrow for regenerative projects at the right time,” he stated.
On infrastructure and public utilities, Governor Otti announced that the CKC Water Scheme in Aba was ready for commissioning, expressing optimism that residents would soon enjoy improved access to public water supply.
He also disclosed that the solar mini-grid at the Nnenna Kalu Bus Terminal, Umuahia, had been energised, with electric buses already charging at the facility.
On education, the Governor said another Smart School would soon be commissioned, bringing the number planned for the state to 21. He added that his administration was working towards standardising education across public and private schools to encourage healthy competition.
Highlighting other achievements, Otti said Abia ranked second in the 2025/2026 Climate Governance Ranking, while over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy had been issued within three years. He further disclosed that the new housing estate in Umuahia had been oversubscribed, with balloting expected to commence soon.
In the health sector, the Governor revealed that over 31,000 eye screenings had been conducted, with 1,811 patients undergoing operations, including 304 vulnerable residents who benefited from free cataract surgeries.
On the planned relocation of traders around Isi-Gate, Umuahia, he assured that the exercise would be gradual, stressing that alternative trading arrangements must be provided to protect the livelihoods of affected traders.
The Governor also directed that his personal ₦1 billion gift announced for teachers during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration be distributed among all teachers in the state, irrespective of rank. He clarified that the gesture was a personal gift and not a governmentn programme.
On road infrastructure, Otti explained that projects were prioritised according to economic importance and urgency, noting that major roads in Aba and Umuahia were receiving attention because of their impact on businesses, mobility and revenue generation. He assured residents that other roads would be progressively addressed within available resources.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, Federal Information Centre,
Umuahia, Abia State.
31st October, 2026.
