Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his administration has constructed 414 roads across the state within three years as part of efforts to modernise infrastructure and reposition the state for economic growth.
Speaking during his monthly media chat with residents, Otti said the road projects were executed with drainage systems, street lighting, and maintenance plans under what he described as a “zero potholes” policy aimed at improving road durability and urban renewal.
The governor said the projects form part of a broader development agenda targeting infrastructure, accountability, and service delivery across Abia State.
Otti also disclosed that his administration has identified assets allegedly acquired illegally as part of ongoing governance reforms focused on transparency and recovery of public resources. He added that the state has reduced its debt burden, noting that Abia inherited over N191 billion in liabilities, which he said has been significantly cut through fiscal discipline.
In the health sector, the governor said 821 healthcare workers were recruited, with 771 already deployed across hospitals and primary health centres. He added that over 93,000 residents have enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, while 277 health facilities have been renovated, with 121 currently functional.
He said major hospital upgrades are ongoing in Ikwuano, Arochukwu, Okikpe, Amachara, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, and Umunneato.
On education, Otti attributed increased school enrolment to the state’s free education policy, claiming an additional 300,000 pupils have joined public schools. He also announced the recruitment of 534 teachers and ongoing renovations in several schools, alongside the readiness of two smart schools in Ubakala and Umuoriehi for commissioning.
In tertiary education, he said a 10,000-bed hostel is under construction at Abia State University, while a Faculty of Law project is also underway. He added that 27 academic programmes have been restored at the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu.
On land administration, the governor said the Aba Master Plan has been completed and land records are being digitalised to improve efficiency. In sanitation, he said about 13 tonnes of refuse are evacuated weekly, while over 2,000 jobs have been created through the state environmental agency.
Otti also announced progress in transportation reforms, including the arrival of electric buses by July, the construction of new terminals in Umuahia and Aba, and the installation of charging stations. He said 70 bus shelters and traffic lights have also been installed across major cities.
On power, he said the state has signed an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to take over electricity management, alongside ongoing deployment of transformers and over 10,000 solar-powered streetlights.
The governor said his administration is also planning SME and innovation hubs to support entrepreneurship and economic growth, adding that the reforms reflect a long-term strategy to rebuild Abia through infrastructure, education, health, and economic development.
