I've Paid N90bn Of N191bn Debt Inherited Without Borrowing - Governor Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that his administration has successfully paid over N90 billion of the N191.3 billion debt inherited from previous administrations all without resorting to borrowing.

Speaking at a media parley in Umuahia, Otti emphasized, “The achievements you see today are a product of prudent management of scarce resources.” Since taking office in May 2023, Otti has focused on judiciously deploying the state's resources towards infrastructural development and fulfilling financial obligations such as salaries and pensions.

This strategic approach has not only stabilized the state's finances but also attracted significant foreign direct investment. Between June 2023 and June 2024, Abia recorded $159 million in foreign investments, catapulting it from 27th to 3rd place among Nigerian states.

Governor Otti attributes this success to creating an investor-friendly environment, stating, “Investors don’t listen to platitudes, they look at actions.”

His administration's efforts to lay a solid foundation for investment have naturally drawn investors to the state, including international teams from Italy, Turkey, and the US. Beyond financial management, Otti's administration is making strides in infrastructure, with ongoing road projects like the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia Road and the zero-pothole policy.

The governor has also initiated the Greater Ohafia Development Commission to ensure balanced regional development across all senatorial districts.