-Says Everyone Entitled to Compensation Will Be Paid-
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration has paid compensation to over 4,000 claimants out of approximately 10,000 claims received in respect of the Nsulu Airport Project.
The Governor made this known during the February edition of his monthly media engagement, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, while responding to recent protests concerning compensation payments.
Addressing the issue, Governor Otti stated that compensation payments commenced following a stakeholders’ meeting held on the 23rd of February.
“Compensation payments have started. We understand that there are close to 10,000 claimants, and over 4,000 have already been paid. Payments are ongoing. We began with those affected by the acquisition of the airport runway and are proceeding village by village,” he said.
He dismissed allegations of irregularities, warning that the government would not tolerate sharp practices.
“We are not engaging in sharp practices, and we are ready to deal decisively with anyone found wanting. Everyone who is entitled to compensation will be compensated. Work at the Nsulu Airport Project is ongoing uninterrupted.”
Governor Otti reported significant progress in the health sector, noting that Project Ekwueme Phase 1 is nearing completion. He disclosed that 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are being retrofitted, with directives issued for some to become operational within the next four to six weeks.
He added that upon completion of ongoing World Bank-supported interventions, the state will have about 270 functional PHCs.
The Governor also revealed that a U.S.-based firm, Quantum Health Services, has been engaged to train health professionals in digital healthcare systems. Pilot programs have already commenced in selected hospitals, while measles and rubella vaccination campaigns began earlier in the month.
In addition, he flagged off the construction of a brand-new General Hospital in Ukwa East Local Government Area to strengthen secondary healthcare delivery and improve referral systems from primary healthcare centres.
Ongoing upgrade works are also taking place at Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, Amachara Specialist Hospital in Umuahia and Umunneato General Hospital in Bende
On infrastructure, Governor Otti disclosed that his administration recently commissioned the 30-kilometre Abam–Arochukwu Road and the reconstructed Ovom Street in Aba, which had been severely damaged by erosion.
He noted that work is currently ongoing at 31 road sites across the state, with additional projects being handled through direct labour by the Ministry of Work.
The Governor further announced that reconstruction work on the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road will commence next week while expressing surprise over the delays since it was flagged off in October 2025.
Governor Otti stated that his administration has resumed the payment of leave allowances to workers. He also confirmed that former elected councillors (1999–2022), who were owed statutory entitlements, will be paid following directives he has issued.
In a move to stimulate small-scale enterprise, the Governor announced approval for the establishment of an SME Hub in Aba, dedicated to the sale and repair of computers and mobile phones.
He also disclosed that the state government has completed the acquisition of Afro Beverages Company, previously under the management of The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and has received expressions of interest from potential investors.
“It is not our preference to run these companies. Government’s role is to ensure they return to productivity under capable private sector management,” he stated.
Governor Otti announced the flag-off of the reconstruction of Enyimba Hotel in Aba, which will be managed by Radisson Blu.
He explained that the project, originally initiated over 50 years ago, will deliver a seven-storey building with 120 rooms, alongside an additional structure of 130 rooms — bringing the total to 250 rooms.
Clarifying ownership, the Governor stated that Enyimba Hotel remains the property of the Abia State Government, while Radisson Blu has been engaged as international managers for the reconstruction and operation.
In the education sector, the Governor disclosed that the state is in the process of recruiting over 4,000 teachers. So far, 24,000 applicants have been shortlisted for examinations, with final selections to follow.
Governor Otti announced efforts to restore electricity supply in Ohafia, Bende, and Ukwa East.
He further revealed that the state government is in the process of acquiring the 60% equity held by EEDC in Umuahia and is in discussions with the Federal Government to acquire the remaining 40%.
He also confirmed that Etche Community is now receiving electricity through Geometric Power, following engagements with the Port Harcourt Disco.
The Governor added that the state has established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency to oversee electricity regulation within the state.
Governor Otti disclosed that the state recently commissioned a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba, with the Honourable Minister pledging to support similar facilities in Umuahia and Ohafia.
He expressed condolences over the tragic loss of some Abians who travelled for a programme in Enugu and had already directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation to provide support to affected families.
On security, he reaffirmed that safety remains the administration’s top priority.
“Safety is the number one priority of this administration. We are working to ensure that Abians sleep with both eyes closed.”
Regarding the airport project initiated by the immediate past administration, Governor Otti confirmed that the government has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He revealed that individuals who received funds in connection with the project have been invited for questioning.
“Investigations are ongoing, and at the appropriate time, we will recover our money,” he said.
