Governor Alex C. Otti of Abia State has presented the 2025 budget proposal to the Abia State House of Assembly, with an ambitious plan to continue the developmental momentum initiated during his administration’s first 18 months.
Speaking on December 10, 2024, in Umuahia, the Governor proposed a budget of ₦750.3 billion, a 30% increase from the 2024 fiscal year.
The 2025 budget allocates 82% of the total outlay (₦611.7 billion) to capital projects, reflecting the administration’s commitment to socioeconomic transformation. Major allocations include:
₦55 billion for road construction and rehabilitation, including rural roads to boost agricultural productivity.
₦4 billion for the revamping of the Umuahia Regional Water Scheme.
₦29.5 billion for perimeter fencing in 262 schools to enhance safety.
₦13 billion for agro-industrial processing zones in Bende, Ukwa, and Umunneochi local government areas.
Governor Otti highlighted the ongoing transformation of key urban centers, including Aba and Umuahia, citing completed and ongoing road projects as evidence of progress.
A combined 35% of the budget will be allocated to health and education, with specific projects including:
Rehabilitation of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Construction of new sites for tertiary institutions, including the Abia State College of Health Science and Management Technology.
Investment in libraries and reading rooms in all 184 wards to revive the reading culture.
Governor Otti revealed that Abia has become one of Nigeria’s top three destinations for foreign investment, following Lagos and Abuja. A notable highlight is a $120 million agro-investment agreement aimed at palm produce processing, which is projected to create 11,000 jobs.