Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has proposed a record-breaking N750 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year, presenting it to the State House of Assembly under the theme “Budget of Sustained Momentum.” The budget marks a significant 30% increase from the N523 billion allocated for 2024, aiming to accelerate development across critical sectors.
The proposed budget allocates N611.7 billion (82%) for capital projects, emphasizing infrastructure and economic growth, while N138.6 billion (18%) is designated for recurrent expenses.
Governor Otti outlined several bold projects to transform Abia State, including:
1. Agriculture: N13 billion earmarked for agro-industrial processing zones in Bende, Ukwa, and Umunneochi local government areas.
2. Infrastructure: N55 billion for ongoing and new road projects across all 17 LGAs. Construction of 170 kilometers of rural roads (10 kilometers per LGA).
3. Water Supply: N4 billion for revamping the Umuahia Regional Water Scheme, including a 47km pipeline reticulation.
4. Education and Health: These sectors account for 35% of the total budget, with 15%allocated to healthcare and 20% to education.
The governor highlighted plans to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) by 213% to N100.6 billion while increasing statutory allocations, grants, and VAT revenues. However, N364.1 billion (51%)bof the budget will be financed through borrowing, focusing exclusively on developmental projects.
Governor Otti assured citizens that no funds have been borrowed for recurrent expenditures so far, stating, “We have taken steps to pay off old debts while maintaining zero indebtedness to contractors.”
Reflecting on 2024, Otti emphasized his administration’s discipline in resource management and the completion of impactful projects. He also noted that the 2025 budget was prepared with input from Abians through extensive citizen engagement sessions.
The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, lauded the governor’s detailed presentation, promising the House’s support in actualizing the proposed projects.