Gov. Otti Presents N1.016 Trillion 2026 Budget Appropriation To Assembly Members 

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Tuesday laid before the State House of Assembly a N1.016 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” with a massive 80 percent earmarked for capital projects.

Presenting the budget on the floor of the Assembly, Governor Otti said the proposal reflects his administration’s determination to “drive rapid socioeconomic growth and unlock new opportunities” across the state.

Giving a breakdown of the N1.016 trillion proposed, Gov Otti said “N811.8 billion (80%) is dedicated to capital expenditure, a 32% increase from 2025.

“N204.4 billion (20%) is for recurrent spending, reflecting expanded personnel obligations and administrative needs.”

Education retains the highest priority with 20% of the budget (N203.2 billion).

The funds, according to Gov Otti will cover salaries for 15,000 teachers, construction of 17 model primary/secondary schools, 3 technical colleges, and ICT labs and staff quarters in over 100 schools.

Furthermore more “Tertiary institutions—Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Arochukwu College of Education—will share N52.8 billion for salaries, hostels, lecture theatres, and upgrades.

“Health receives N149.7 billion (15%), targeting renovation of 7 general hospitals, provision of critical equipment for ABSUTH and 23 other health centres, and manpower development.

“The government also reserved N169.3 billion (16.7%) for aggressive road infrastructure. Key road projects include:

• Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road

• Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road

• Nkata–Amaeke Road

• Agbo–Umueze–Mbom Road

• Umuoji, Mgboko, and Amauzukwu–Mbom roads, among others.”

The Otti-led administration is investing N11.1 billion in public transport, with N6 billion set aside for 80 additional electric buses and completion of modular transport terminals.

On energy, the Governor announced that Abia has acquired electricity distribution assets outside the Aba ring-fenced zone and is advancing its push for energy independence through ASERA and the new State Electricity Law.

Performance Review and Achievements

Governor Otti reviewed the 2025 fiscal year, noting:

• Over 600 km of roads built or rehabilitated since 2023.

• Restoration of key hospitals and refurbishment of about 200 primary healthcare centres.

• Recruitment of 771 health workers and over 5,000 teachers, with another 4,000 to be engaged.

• A doubling of school enrolment following free and compulsory basic education.

• 120,000 residents enrolled in state health insurance since April.

• Abia ranked the most prepared state for health emergency response in Nigeria.

• A significant rise in internally generated revenue (IGR), projected to hit N100 billion by year-end.

The state is projecting a total revenue of N607.2 billion from both internal and external sources, including:

• N223.4 billion IGR

• N83.2 billion FAAC

• N67.1 billion VAT

• N26.5 billion grants

• N168 billion other federal inflows

This leaves a N409 billion deficit, to be financed through concessional loans exclusively for capital projects.

“Not a penny shall be borrowed to fund recurrent expenditure,” Otti assured lawmakers, reaffirming his administration’s strict fiscal discipline.

The Governor thanked the 8th Assembly for its cooperation and pledged continued transparency and accountability.

“We remain committed to building an Abia where dreams are revived, where institutions work, and where every community feels the impact of governance,” he said, before formally laying the Appropriation Bill before the lawmakers.