Governor Alex Otti of Abia State claimed his administration has constructed 414 roads and cut the state's debt burden by 60 percent since taking office three years ago.
Otti made the claims while highlighting what he called the major achievements of his government. The governor did not provide specific dates or locations for the road projects, nor did he break down the debt reduction figures by category or timeline.
The Abia governor has made infrastructure development a centerpiece of his administration's messaging. Road construction across the state, particularly in Umuahia and surrounding local government areas, has been visible since his inauguration in May 2023. The scale of projects Otti claims suggests a significant push to rehabilitate the state's road network, which had deteriorated under previous administrations.
Otti's assertion about debt reduction aligns with his campaign promise to restore fiscal discipline and transparent management of state resources. When he took office, Abia faced a substantial debt portfolio accumulated over previous years. The 60 percent cut, if accurate, would represent one of the most aggressive debt reduction exercises undertaken by the state in recent history.
The governor's claims come as several states across Nigeria struggle with debt servicing and limited resources for infrastructure. Abia's improved financial position, according to Otti's statement, has allowed the state to fund both road projects and other developmental initiatives without further borrowing.
Independent verification of these figures remains outstanding. The state's audit office and the Debt Management Office have not yet released comprehensive reports confirming the exact number of completed roads or the precise debt reduction percentage. Civil society organisations in the state have called for transparent documentation of all infrastructure projects completed by the government.
