My Govt Built 414 Roads, Cut Debt By 60% In Three Years — Otti

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says his administration has constructed 414 roads across the state, covering about 864.12 kilometres within three years in office, alongside what he described as a significant reduction in the state’s debt profile.

Otti made the disclosure on Friday night during his monthly media chat titled “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held in Umuahia, where he outlined key achievements across infrastructure, finance, health, education, and governance reforms.

According to him, the 414 roads built include street lighting and drainage systems, while another 82 roads covering about 212 kilometres are currently under construction at different stages of completion.

“We are consistent in terms of delivering street lights with the roads. And of course drainage,” he said, adding that many of the projects would be commissioned soon.

On the state’s finances, Otti said Abia’s debt had been reduced by about 60 per cent, from roughly ₦191 billion in 2023 to less than ₦50 billion by the end of 2025, attributing the improvement to fiscal discipline and transparency reforms.

He also referenced independent rankings, noting that Abia moved from 17th position in 2023 to 4th in 2025 in budget performance assessments, which he said reflected improved governance outcomes.

The governor further disclosed that authorities had identified assets allegedly acquired illegally as part of ongoing accountability reforms.

In environmental management, he said the state now evacuates about 13 tonnes of refuse weekly and has created over 2,000 jobs through the Abia State Environmental Agency.

On transport, Otti highlighted the introduction of electric buses, plans for additional units by July, and the upcoming commissioning of a new bus terminal in Umuahia, alongside charging stations in Umuahia and Aba.

In land administration, he said 4,707 Certificates of Occupancy had been signed, more than the total issued between 1999 and 2023, adding that 4 million land documents had been digitised in partnership with UN-Habitat.

He also pointed to progress in education and health, including smart school projects, recruitment of teachers, and the employment of 821 healthcare professionals, with 93,000 residents enrolled in the state health insurance scheme.

Otti said 277 primary healthcare centres had been retrofitted, while major hospital upgrades were ongoing across the state, stressing that his administration remains focused on infrastructure renewal and human capital development.