Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s fiscal discipline, stressing that his government will only consider borrowing funds when it is necessary for investment purposes, not for consumption
Speaking during a welcome dinner held in honour of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council in Umuahia on Tuesday, Governor Otti dispelled claims by opposition critics that the state has been borrowing to fund operations. He referenced the latest Debt Management Office (DMO) report, which ranks Abia as the leading state in debt reduction—cutting its debt profile by a remarkable 57.20% between March 2024 and March 2025.
“There is nothing wrong with criticizing the Government, but you must criticize with facts,” Otti said. “Some say we are borrowing — they are lying. Abia State has not borrowed in the last two years and one month.”
He, however, noted that while the state has not borrowed yet, it would consider borrowing strictly for regenerative capital projects that will yield long-term benefits for Abians.
