Abia Ranked 3rd Nationally as Otti Highlights Three Years of Reforms, Expands Healthcare and Mass Transit

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

UMUAHIA – Governor Alex Otti has declared that Abia State has recorded remarkable progress across critical sectors over the past three years, attributing the state’s rise to third position in the 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index and the significant reduction in maternal and infant mortality to his administration’s deliberate reforms.

Speaking during the July edition of his monthly media interaction, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Government House, Umuahia, the governor said the state has achieved measurable improvements in governance, public service delivery, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic management.

Governor Otti noted that the 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index, released in 2026, ranked Abia third among Nigeria’s 36 states, reflecting substantial progress in fiscal management, service delivery, economic performance, and institutional effectiveness.

The governor cited the growing compliance with environmental sanitation regulations as evidence that government reforms are positively influencing public behaviour, urging residents to sustain the culture of cleanliness, which he described as a collective responsibility.

He also revealed that work is progressing on the state’s digital mapping programme, describing it as a strategic initiative that will strengthen urban planning, land administration, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities.

On healthcare, Governor Otti disclosed that enrolment into the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme continues to increase, adding that 144 of the 200 Primary Healthcare Centres being upgraded by his administration have been fully functionalised. He further stated that an additional 77 health facilities supported through intervention programmes have also been equipped.

According to him, the healthcare facilities are now adequately staffed and furnished with modern medical equipment, while rehabilitation works on general and cottage hospitals across the state are advancing steadily. He added that the Cottage Hospital in Ugwunagbo has already commenced medical services.

Governor Otti described Abia’s rise from the bottom of national rankings to third position as the result of intentional leadership and purposeful governance, stressing that while independent assessments are encouraging, the true measure of any administration lies in the positive impact of its policies on the lives of the people.

In the transportation sector, the governor announced the arrival of another 20 electric buses, with an additional 30 expected within the next month to further expand the state’s mass transit programme.

He explained that the buses would operate on routes connecting Umuahia with Aba, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Abia State University, Uturu, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and other major destinations across the state.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the buses would be fitted with electronic surveillance systems to monitor compliance with approved routes and improve operational efficiency, noting that the measure became necessary after some drivers allegedly abandoned their designated routes in violation of operational guidelines.

He revealed that two drivers involved in such infractions have already been disengaged, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and efficient service delivery.

The governor assured Abians that his government would remain focused on implementing policies that improve public services, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.