RismadarVoice Reporters
November 1, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced that the state’s reported debt stock declined from ₦147.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023 to ₦48.6 billion in the corresponding period of 2026, representing a reduction of ₦98.6 billion.
The governor disclosed this during the October edition of his monthly media chat, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, where he addressed the state’s financial obligations, foreign loans and borrowing policy.
According to Otti, the reduction reflects his administration’s efforts to manage public finances responsibly and settle outstanding obligations inherited from previous administrations.
He explained that the ₦147.2 billion debt figure recorded in 2023 did not represent the state’s entire financial liabilities, as some outstanding pension obligations and salary arrears were excluded from the figures submitted to the Debt Management Office.
The governor maintained that his administration had substantially reduced the state’s reported debt burden since assuming office in May 2023.
Addressing concerns about an increase in Abia’s foreign debt obligations, Otti attributed the development largely to the drawdown of funds from previously established multilateral financing arrangements.
He identified the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project as programmes associated with the disbursements.
Otti insisted that his administration had not undertaken direct borrowing, distinguishing new loan agreements from the release of funds under existing financing arrangements.
However, he clarified that the government was not opposed to borrowing where necessary, provided such loans would finance productive projects capable of delivering lasting economic benefits.
The governor said his administration would continue to prioritise financial discipline and responsible utilisation of public resources.
He also expressed satisfaction with Abia’s second-place position in the 2025/2026 climate governance ranking.
Otti attributed the performance partly to environmental initiatives introduced by his administration, including the deployment of green shuttle buses.
The reported debt reduction represents a significant change in the state’s disclosed financial position over the three years.
However, the figures require consideration alongside outstanding liabilities not captured in the reported debt stock, as well as changes in foreign loan obligations.
An independent assessment of Abia’s overall financial position would require comprehensive information on domestic and external debt, actual repayments, outstanding arrears and other government liabilities.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and prudent management of the state’s finances.
