As his administration approaches its third anniversary in office, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has unveiled a comprehensive account of achievements across critical sectors, declaring that his government has restored security, rebuilt public trust, reduced debt, revived infrastructure, strengthened healthcare and education, and repositioned the state for sustainable economic growth.

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Abians, while highlighting major achievements recorded in nearly three years of governance.

Speaking during the May edition of his monthly media engagement with Abians, Governor Otti said his administration has made significant progress in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility, social justice, security, education, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, and economic reforms.

“We are happy that this administration, in another week, will clock three years in office, and I think it is appropriate to discuss some of the things that have been achieved,” the Governor said.
According to him, one of the major successes of his government has been the restoration of public confidence in governance through visible development and prudent management of state resources.
“The most important part of this administration is the impact it has made in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility, and social justice in restoring the dignity of our people. We are rebuilding trust in governance and government,” Otti stated.

Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has restored relative peace and security across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state through deliberate interventions, particularly the launch of Operation Crush.
He cited Umunneochi LGA, once plagued by banditry and criminal activities, as a success story, noting that traditional leaders from the area recently paid him a thank-you visit following the liberation of affected communities.
“The LGA was previously under the control of bandits, but when we came in, barely a month or two later, we launched Operation Crush and liberated all those communities,” he said.

The Governor said his administration has ensured regular salary payments to workers, maintaining payment by the 28th of every month, while pensioners are also receiving their entitlements consistently.
He further disclosed that Abia’s debt burden has reduced by 60 percent, attributing the achievement to prudent financial management and fiscal discipline.

Otti also revealed that his government has recovered several illegally acquired government lands and properties, warning that criminal appropriation of public assets would no longer be tolerated.

On infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that his administration has completed 414 road projects spanning approximately 864.12 kilometres within three years, while 82 additional roads covering about 212 kilometres are currently under construction.
He noted that road projects are complemented with street lighting and drainage systems, while a zero-pothole and maintenance policy has been introduced to preserve infrastructure.

Several completed projects, he added, would be commissioned beginning next week as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

In healthcare, the Governor disclosed that the state has recruited 821 healthcare professionals, with 771 already resumed, while others remain at different stages of recruitment.
He stated that 277 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been retrofitted across the 184 wards of the state, with over 180 already fully functionalized.
Otti also highlighted ongoing upgrades in secondary healthcare facilities at Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Umunneato, while the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Amachara, is undergoing reconstruction.

Additionally, he announced the completion of General Hospitals in Obingwa and Arochukwu, which will be commissioned during the anniversary celebrations.

Governor Otti revealed that public school enrolment has increased significantly, with over 300,000 new students enrolled, attributing the rise to reforms in the education sector.
He said 5,394 teachers recruited by the state resumed work last year, while another 4,000 teachers are currently being recruited.
To improve school infrastructure, Otti stated that renovated schools are now being fenced, while dilapidated structures across the state are being addressed to ensure schools meet minimum standards.
He further disclosed that two smart schools are ready for commissioning, while three additional smart schools will be completed by June.

The Governor also highlighted progress in tertiary institutions, including Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Abia State University (ABSU), and the College of Education, Arochukwu, noting that accreditations have been restored and new faculties are under construction.

In the area of lands and public buildings, Governor Otti said the state has issued 4,077 Certificates of Occupancy, completed the New Abia Master Plan, and digitized over four million land-related documents to curb fraud and enhance transparency.

On sanitation, he noted that following the declaration of a state of emergency on sanitation, Abia has become one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.
According to him, over 13 tonnes of waste are evacuated weekly, while more than 2,000 jobs have been created through the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).

Governor Otti,however, disclosed that the state’s transport initiative has conveyed over 326,000 passengers, while 20 new buses are expected by July and another 30 buses before year-end.
He announced that the Umuahia Multimodal Transport Terminal has been completed and would be commissioned on May 27, while the Aba terminal is expected to be completed next year.

To support transportation sustainability, the Governor said the government is installing solar hybrid charging systems for buses and has delivered 70 bus shelters across Umuahia and Aba.

In the power sector, Otti said the state has acquired electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia, Bende, Ohafia, Ikwuano, and Umunneochi, while over 50 transformers and 10,000 solar lights have been procured under the Light Up Abia programme.
He added that the Abia State Electricity Agency has been established to drive reforms aimed at guaranteeing stable electricity supply.

Governor Otti revealed that the government is in the final stages of selling the Abia Beverages Company, acquired from AMCON, while discussions are ongoing regarding the sale of the Star Paper Mill, with the state retaining 10 percent equity in the beverages company.
He also announced plans to establish an SME and Innovation Hub in Aba in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to him, TechRise Cohort 3 is currently training about 850 persons in digital and innovation skills to foster entrepreneurship and employment.
The Governor further disclosed plans to ensure statewide 3G network coverage, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to improving living conditions and creating opportunities for all Abians.
“This government remains focused and determined to improve the welfare of our people, develop the state, create jobs, and make life easier for all Abians,” Governor Otti assured.

The Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) has unveiled draft electricity regulations for public scrutiny and stakeholder input, as the Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, investor-friendly and world-class electricity market capable of delivering reliable power supply and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.

The Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) on Thursday held a public consultation on its draft electricity regulations in Umuahia, marking a significant step towards strengthening electricity governance and market development in the state.
The consultation, held at Sun Heaven Hotels, Umuahia, brought together electricity consumers, investors, operators and other stakeholders to review and make inputs into the draft regulations expected to guide electricity operations and service delivery in Abia State.

Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said Governor Alex Otti’s administration remains committed to building a world-class electricity market that prioritises the welfare of the people and guarantees inclusive participation.
According to him, the public consultation underscores the transparency of the state government in developing a functional electricity market where consumers remain central to decision-making.
“One of the directives of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, is to build a world-class electricity market that works for our people. We are creating a system where everyone is a key stakeholder, with the customer at the centre because the customer is king,” Engr. Monday stated.

He commended ASERA for the progress made in developing the draft regulations, noting that feedback from electricity consumers and stakeholders would enrich the framework and support government’s broader objective of ensuring reliable electricity supply as a critical driver of socio-economic growth.
The Commissioner disclosed that Aba Power and the Geometric Group have deployed over 120,000 electricity meters to households within their operational areas over the last six months, adding that government is already working towards replicating the feat across other local government areas of the state.

Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the Abia State Electricity Advisory Council, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the public consultation would focus on strengthening electricity service delivery, building consumer confidence in regulatory decisions and ensuring speedy and fair resolution of complaints.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ASERA, Mr. Emeka Onyegbule, said the consultation was designed to gather critical feedback from consumers and stakeholders to produce a robust regulatory framework that aligns with the electricity vision of Governor Alex Otti.
He explained that while regulations could be developed internally, public participation remained essential to achieving success and legitimacy.
“We have gathered to exchange ideas and subject our processes to public scrutiny because without stakeholder input, these regulations may not succeed. This engagement provides an opportunity to refine ideas and develop documents that will help us achieve the objectives of the Governor in the power sector,” Onyegbule said.

He described the event as a major milestone in the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 and the Abia State Electricity Law 2025, which established the legal framework for state electricity markets and empowered ASERA as the statutory regulator of Abia’s electricity sector.
Onyegbule reiterated ASERA’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient, customer-focused and investor-friendly electricity market capable of attracting investments and supporting economic growth across the state.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant on Power at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mr. Odion Omonfoman, described the establishment of ASERA as a critical advancement for Abia’s electricity market, stressing that the success of electricity regulations depends largely on public scrutiny and stakeholder confidence.
He noted that the NGF strongly supports the decentralisation of the power sector and commended ASERA for its transparent implementation of the Electricity Act and Abia State Electricity Law.

Omonfoman further stated that fair, commercially viable and consumer-protective regulations remain essential for the long-term success of a decentralised electricity market, adding that Abia has set a commendable standard for transparency, accountability and inclusive governance in the electricity sector.

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent governance, infrastructure renewal, healthcare modernization, and economic revitalization, declaring that Abia is firmly on the path of structured and measurable transformation.

Speaking during the February edition of his monthly media interaction, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” at the Government House, Umuahia, the Governor rolled out sweeping updates across critical sectors .From airport compensation payments and digital healthcare reforms to transport modernization and industrial revival.

Governor Otti disclosed that over 4,000 out of nearly 10,000 landowners affected by the Nsulu Airport project have received compensation, particularly those whose lands fall within the proposed runway corridor.
He emphasized that payments are being made systematically and transparently, village by village, with claimants’ names publicly displayed in communities to eliminate secrecy.
“Everyone who should be compensated will be compensated. Work is progressing uninterrupted,” the Governor assured, dismissing negative reports as deliberate misinformation.
Construction of the runway, he confirmed, is advancing steadily.

In a major leap toward modernizing public transport, the Abia State Government has commenced full rollout of the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment system for the state’s electric Green Shuttle buses.
Beginning March 1, 2026, commuters will pay subsidised fares through automated ATM card payments:
Aba – Umuahia – Aba: ₦800
Umuahia – Ohafia – Umuahia: ₦1,000
City routes (Aba & Umuahia): Flat rate of ₦150
The first Abia Connect Card is free, obtainable at designated terminals across Aba and Umuahia upon presentation of an ABSSIN number.

Governor Otti explained that the cashless transition eliminates delays, revenue leakages, and disputes over change, creating a seamless “tap-and-go” system that enhances accountability and commuter convenience.
The Umuahia Central Bus Terminal will serve as the operational hub, with Aba maintaining its own terminal structure.

The Governor announced the commencement of a pilot Digital Healthcare Programme in selected hospitals, marking the transition from manual record-keeping to technology-driven medical services.
Phase One of the Project Ekwueme Primary Healthcare intervention has delivered
200 retrofitted and remodelled Primary Healthcare Centres
77 additional rehabilitated facilities under the World Bank-supported IMPACT project
This brings the total to over 270 healthcare facilities across the state.
Recruitment of healthcare professionals is ongoing to address staffing gaps, while international-standard training is being facilitated through collaboration with a US-based medical foundation.A newly flagged-off General Hospital in Ukwa East — the first in the LGA’s history — will serve as a referral centre, strengthening secondary healthcare delivery.

On infrastructure, Governor Otti revealed that:
31 road projects are currently ongoing under the Ministry of Works.
Construction will soon begin on the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.
Projects are also being executed by the Greater Aba and Greater Ohafia Development Agencies.
To boost economic growth, land has been secured in Aba for an SME Village and Innovation Hub, designed to support small businesses, particularly within the tech and phone-repair value chain.
The Governor further disclosed that the state has reacquired the moribund Afro Beverages Company and is receiving investor interest, alongside revival discussions surrounding Star Paper Mill.
“It is not our preference to run these companies. We want credible private investors who will create sustainable jobs,” he said.

Governor Otti confirmed that reconstruction of the Enyimba International Hotel has commenced, with plans for 250 rooms and an international convention centre upon completion.
He clarified that the Abia State Government holds 80% ownership of the Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotels project, while 20% belongs to families of early pathfinder investors through ACCIMA.

In education, the state received 36,000 applications in its ongoing teacher recruitment drive, with 24,000 candidates shortlisted for computer-based tests to fill 4,000 positions.
On power supply, efforts are underway to restore electricity to Ohafia and Ukwa East, while the state pursues a majority stake in the regional electricity distribution company to improve supply reliability.
Governor Otti also announced the commencement of leave allowance payments and resolution of outstanding entitlements owed to former elected councillors.

Addressing security concerns, particularly around Umuahia South, the Governor assured residents that no part of Abia State is under the control of criminal elements.
Through the Security Trust Fund and collaboration with the Police, DSS, Army, and Navy, he stated that the administration remains proactive in safeguarding lives and property.
“If this place is not safe, everything we are doing will come to naught. We will continue to ensure that you can sleep with your two eyes closed,” he declared.

From compensating airport landowners and digitizing healthcare to introducing cashless electric transport and revitalizing industries, Governor Otti’s briefing underscored what he described as a deliberate, transparent, and technology-driven governance model.
With infrastructure expanding, healthcare modernizing, transport digitized, and security reinforced, Abia State appears firmly positioned on a path toward sustainable development and economic renewal.