Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says his administration has spent more than ₦40 billion to clear outstanding salaries and pensions since assuming office two years ago.

Speaking in Umuahia on Thursday during an event marking the second anniversary of his administration, themed “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum,” Otti said the payment was aimed at restoring the dignity and financial stability of workers and retirees in the state.

He noted that salaries are now paid by the 28th of every month, while pensioners receive full monthly disbursements, ending years of irregular and partial payments.

“As of today, the prompt payment of salaries and pensions is no longer news. We have fully institutionalised it,” Otti said.

The governor also announced that the abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat had been completely renovated and now accommodates nearly 1,000 civil servants. He outlined ongoing efforts to digitise government processes by introducing computers and phasing out manual filing systems.

Otti revealed that the state government had reached an agreement with telecommunications company MTN to achieve full network coverage in Abia by December 31, 2025. He added that MTN would also lead the development of the first Aba Digital Mall, designed to enhance local commerce through digital platforms.

On education, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to allocating 20 percent of the state budget to the sector, with smart schools currently under construction across all 17 local government areas.

He stated that free basic education had driven increased enrolment, prompting the recent recruitment of 5,300 teachers. Another 4,000 teachers are expected to be hired to meet the growing demand. He assured that the recruitment exercise would be merit-based, regardless of applicants’ origin, ethnicity, or religion.

In the health sector, Otti disclosed that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres had been renovated, with commissioning set to begin on June 1. He said renovation work was ongoing at 10 general hospitals and two specialist centres, and that a planned medical village would help reduce outbound medical tourism and position Abia as a medical destination.

Addressing security, Otti said that “Operation Crush” had succeeded in reclaiming territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminal elements. He credited the relative peace in the state to the efforts of security agencies and expressed gratitude for their dedication.

He announced that several road projects in Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of the state would be commissioned starting June 1.

Otti said the administration remained focused on good governance, accountability, and prudent financial management. He reaffirmed his support for a private sector-driven economy and mentioned that ₦1 billion had been disbursed to empower 10,000 nano-businesses in the state.

On energy, he confirmed that Geometric Power currently generates 141 megawatts of electricity, with an additional turbine expected to increase output. He added that talks with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company were ongoing to isolate Umuahia as a power island, similar to Aba, to guarantee more reliable supply for Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.

The governor said nearly 7,000 solar streetlights had been installed to improve security and support round-the-clock economic activities. He also cited the state’s improved sanitation profile, stating that it had moved from one of the dirtiest to one of the cleanest in Nigeria. He attributed this shift to increased public participation in environmental cleanliness.

He acknowledged the efforts of civil servants, healthcare workers, appointees, and cleaners in driving the administration’s initiatives. Otti attributed the progress made to divine guidance and the support of the people.

“I remain deeply grateful to Ndi Abia for the support they have given to us before, during, and after the 2023 elections,” he said.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) and Chief Ginger Onwusibe (Isiala Ngwa North and South) praised Otti’s leadership and urged continued public support for government programmes.

Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and Deputy Speaker, Mr Austin Mmeregini, expressed the legislature’s continued commitment to backing the administration’s rebuilding agenda.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were former Deputy Governor Ude Oko-Chukwu and former Chairman of Ohafia LGA.