Alex Otti Unveils Bold Multi-Sector Transformation: 4,000 Landowners Compensated, Digital Healthcare Launched, Green Shuttle Goes Cashless
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.
