Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has disclosed that his administration has expended over N40 billion in the past two years to settle long-standing salary and pension arrears.
Speaking on Thursday in Umuahia during an event commemorating his second year in office, Governor Otti said the move was part of broader efforts to restore the financial dignity of civil servants and retirees across the state.
He noted that prompt payment of salaries and pensions has become a new standard, with workers now receiving their wages by the 28th of every month.
Pensioners, he added, now enjoy full monthly payments—marking a decisive end to the era of partial disbursements.
Highlighting key achievements, Otti announced the complete renovation of the once-neglected Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, which now accommodates nearly 1,000 civil servants.
He also revealed that the state government is digitising operations and phasing out manual record-keeping by supplying computers to ministries and departments.
According to the governor, a partnership with MTN Nigeria will guarantee comprehensive mobile network coverage throughout Abia by December 31, 2025.
The collaboration will also see the development of Aba’s first Digital Mall, aimed at promoting e-commerce and revitalising local business.
On education, Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to allocating 20 percent of the state’s annual budget to the sector.
He said smart schools were under construction in all 17 local government areas and credited the state’s free basic education policy for a spike in student enrolment.
Earlier this year, 5,300 new teachers were hired, and plans are underway to recruit an additional 4,000 to meet rising demand.
The governor assured that recruitment would be based on merit, with equal opportunities provided regardless of background, ethnicity, or religion.
In the healthcare sector, Otti revealed that more than 100 primary health centres have undergone renovation, with formal commissioning set to begin on June 1. Upgrades are also ongoing at ten general hospitals and two specialist medical facilities.
He further announced plans to establish a medical village aimed at reducing the state’s reliance on foreign medical treatment and positioning Abia as a major destination for healthcare within Nigeria.