Governor Alex Otti has attributed Abia State’s emergence as Nigeria’s third most improved state in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index to his administration’s strategic investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure.
Also his governance and the growing collaboration with the Federal Government, including the recent visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Speaking during the July edition of his monthly media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti described the latest ranking as a clear validation of his administration’s reforms.

The Governor said the progress reflects the positive impact of government policies on the lives of Abians.
The first Abia citizen noted that Abia has made one of the most remarkable improvements in the country’s performance ranking, rising from 36th position in 2024 to 10th in 2025, and now 3rd in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index, behind only Enugu and Jigawa States.

Governor Otti said the state’s transformation has been driven by sustained investments in critical sectors, particularly healthcare, education, infrastructure, land administration and economic development.

Highlighting achievements in the health sector, he disclosed that Abia recorded one of Nigeria’s best performances in reducing maternal and infant mortality in the first quarter of 2026, while enrolment into the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme continues to increase.

According to him, 144 of the state’s 200 Primary Healthcare Centres have been fully functionalised, while 77 additional health facilities renovated through the World Bank intervention have also been completed, with about 30 more centres expected to become operational soon.

On transportation and infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that the state has received 20 additional electric buses, which would operate on routes including Umuahia–Bende–Arochukwu, Umuahia–Uturu (ABSU), Umuahia–Umudike–Ikwuano, Aba–Owerri and Aba–Ukwa. He added that surveillance systems have been installed in the buses to ensure accountability and improve service delivery.

The Governor further disclosed that work is progressing steadily on the Aba Bus Terminal, while the first phase of the Ekeoma Market remodelling has been completed and would soon be commissioned.
In the area of land administration, Governor Otti said the government has issued 4,923 Certificates of Occupancy within three years, with nearly 1,000 processed this year alone, adding that the completion of the state’s digital mapping project in partnership with UN-Habitat would usher in a fully digitised land administration system that would eliminate fraudulent land transactions and speed up property documentation.

On education, he said the administration’s Smart School initiative is gathering momentum with two Smart Schools already commissioned out of the planned twenty, assuring that the remaining eighteen schools would be completed soon.
“The idea is to expose our children to modern technology from an early stage,” the Governor stated.
Addressing ongoing infrastructure projects, Governor Otti acknowledged that the rainy season has slowed the pace of road construction but assured residents that work continues across major project sites. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending flooding through the construction of durable drainage infrastructure.

Responding to concerns over rising rents in Umuahia and Aba, the Governor attributed the increase to growing demand for accommodation and announced that the government would soon commence the Pocket Layout Housing Project in Umuahia to bridge the housing deficit.
Governor Otti described the recent visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major boost to Abia’s creative economy. He revealed that a dedicated bank account has been opened for the Akwete Cloth Production Hub, while the First Lady has authorised the release of the funds she pledged to support the Akwete women’s weaving initiative.
He urged residents to promote indigenous industries by patronising and wearing the locally woven Akwete fabric.

The Governor also commended residents for embracing environmental sanitation, urged them to sustain the culture of cleanliness, praised security agencies for maintaining peace across the state and congratulated the Commissioner of Police on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

A landmark joint venture project of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Abia State Government has been formally launched in the state.

This Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) was officially launched  at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf OlaTunji Alausa said the establishment of the Manu-Tech UniPod reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation.

Describing it as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” the Vice President noted that Universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching and research to become hubs for enterprise development, technology transfer, and industrial competitiveness.

In his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, said the siting of the UniPod in Abia speaks to the institutional faith the UNDP and Federal Government have in the State’s potential as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

He noted that, the faith and efforts the partners have in Abia is yielding tangible results, adding that the event is a demonstration of that, and appreciated the siting of the project in Abia.

“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

The Governor who disclosed that his government supported the UniPod project because it aligns perfectly with the economic development outline of his administration, noted that,

“With the launch of the UniPod, a new interest in qualitative research will develop as scientists, students and everyone connected to the University ecosystem begin to look beyond random and hurried publication of academic papers just to score points for the next promotion cycle.

“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor thanked all the stakeholders and partners including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the UNDP for their efforts and willpower that gave birth to the transformational project.

“Over the last 3 years, we have found them to be reliable partners which explains our expanding body of joint ventures projects targeting entrepreneurship development, job creation and similar initiatives aimed at opening new layers of economic and social opportunities for our women and young people in particular,” Gov. Otti stated.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the launch as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem being developed across Nigeria through the UniPod initiative.

She explained that the programme aims to connect education, research, innovation, enterprise, and manufacturing, enabling Universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Ms. Attafuah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-driven development. She particularly extolled Governor Alex Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Earlier in her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursala Akanwa, described the commissioning as a defining moment in the University’s history.

She said the project represents the fulfilment of the institution’s mandate to deploy science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development, manufacturing, and enterprise.

Prof. Akanwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for choosing MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Tech UniPod.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, prototyping facilities, and industry mentorship to convert research ideas into market-ready products.

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the Abia State Government have reiterated the need for sustained reforms, stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, and a more enabling business environment to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth across Nigeria.

Speaking at the PEBEC Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to business-friendly reforms, declaring that Abia remains open to investment, partnerships, and economic prosperity.

Representing Governor Alex Otti, Emetu welcomed the PEBEC delegation, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and government officials to the workshop. He commended the council for promoting collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments in efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment.

He noted that since assuming office in May 2023, the Otti administration has pursued an ambitious reform agenda focused on strengthening institutions, restoring public confidence, improving infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

According to the Deputy Governor, the administration has invested heavily in critical infrastructure, particularly the reconstruction of roads linking commercial centres, industrial clusters, markets, and communities across the state, thereby improving connectivity and boosting investor confidence.

He also highlighted efforts to strengthen security through technology-driven initiatives, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency collaboration, describing Abia as increasingly safer and more attractive to investors.

Emetu stated that the government has embraced digital transformation by modernising government processes, expanding fibre-optic infrastructure, digitising key public services, and promoting data-driven governance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He identified land administration reform as one of the state’s most significant achievements, citing the introduction of the “Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days” initiative.

“Since May 2023, this administration has issued more than 4,407 Certificates of Occupancy, exceeding the cumulative number issued by previous administrations over the preceding 24 years,” he disclosed.

He explained that the initiative has strengthened property rights, improved access to finance, enhanced investor confidence, and reinforced transparency and efficiency in land administration.

The Deputy Governor further revealed that the state has deployed digital platforms for land administration, established a Citizens Engagement Centre, created One-Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, and launched an Export Growth Lab in Aba to support local businesses and expand export opportunities.

On human capital development, Emetu said the government has recruited over 5,300 teachers and more than 600 healthcare workers while expanding opportunities for skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

While acknowledging the progress made, he stressed that reform remains a continuous process and assured participants that the state government would continue to deepen policies that attract investment, stimulate innovation, create jobs, and improve living standards.

Earlier, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to build a more competitive and investment-friendly economy.

She conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and noted that his administration is implementing one of the most ambitious economic reform agendas in Nigeria’s recent history.

According to Audu, sustainable economic growth can only be achieved when all tiers of government work together to create a seamless investment environment that rewards enterprise, promotes productivity, and expands opportunities for citizens.

“The future of Nigeria’s economy will not be determined in Abuja alone. It will be shaped in our states, cities, industrial clusters, farms, innovation hubs, and local government areas,” she said.

She stressed that investors ultimately make decisions based on the attractiveness of individual states, adding that policy consistency, infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, and ease of doing business remain critical factors in attracting investment.

The PEBEC Director-General further highlighted the importance of supporting both existing and emerging businesses, while underscoring innovation, research, and technology as essential drivers of competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

She explained that the nationwide subnational engagement tour is designed to strengthen partnerships between the Federal Government and state governments, promote business-friendly reforms, and unlock the vast investment potential across Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Ease of Doing Business, Hon. Barr. Jennifer Agbonma Okorafor Ukaobasi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investors, stimulating economic growth, and increasing internally generated revenue.

Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Ukaobasi, said her office was established to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that businesses operate in a conducive environment.

According to her, the Ease of Doing Business Office serves as a bridge between government institutions and the private sector, working to remove regulatory obstacles that hinder business growth while encouraging investments that can create jobs and expand the state’s tax base.

“The objective is to make Abia attractive to investors. When businesses come and thrive, they create jobs, increase economic activities, expand the tax net, and contribute significantly to economic growth,” she said.

She explained that the PEBEC engagement provides an opportunity for government officials and private sector stakeholders to assess the state’s progress in creating an enabling business environment. She noted that feedback from businesses and investors helps government identify areas requiring further reforms, including regulatory frameworks, taxation, and infrastructure.

Highlighting the state’s achievements, she disclosed that Abia has made significant progress in the national Ease of Doing Business rankings.

“Abia was previously ranked 32nd among the 36 states of the federation. Through deliberate reforms, we moved to 21st position, and by last year, we rose to 11th place. Governor Alex Otti has given us a clear mandate to attain the number one position, and we are working diligently towards achieving that goal,” she stated.

She further revealed that Abia recently qualified for the disbursement of a World Bank-supported loan after meeting key reform indicators, describing the achievement as evidence of the state’s commitment to business-enabling reforms.

The SSA explained that engagements with PEBEC, the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), and the World Bank occur regularly throughout the year. These engagements include the development of Business Enabling Reform Action Plans, mid-year progress reviews, and stakeholder consultations aimed at strengthening the state’s reform agenda.

Beyond these formal engagements, she said her office conducts regular awareness campaigns, workshops for civil servants, and consultations with organised private sector groups to ensure alignment with the state’s ease of doing business objectives.

On accessibility, Ukaobasi, disclosed that her office is located on the third floor of the JAAC Building in Umuahia, occupying Rooms 304 to 306. She also noted that the state has established three One-Stop Shops to provide streamlined services for business registration, formalisation, and other investor-related processes.

She encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking government support or information on formalising their businesses to take advantage of the services provided through her office and the One-Stop Shops across the state.

The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, members of the organised private sector, business leaders, and policy experts to deliberate on strategies for improving investment competitiveness and strengthening business-enabling reforms across the country.

Participants expressed optimism that the collaboration between PEBEC and state governments would further accelerate reforms aimed at making Nigeria a preferred destination for investment, enterprise, and sustainable economic development.

Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
04/06/2026