Ebere Uzoukwa.
Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR has once again demonstrated his commitment to advancing Abia’s development with the presentation of the 2025 Budget to the Abia State House of Assembly. The proposed budget, titled “Budget of Sustained Momentum,” amounts to ₦750,282,200,000, representing a 30% increase from the 2024 budget.
This significant increase reflects the administration’s ambitious goals, despite the economic challenges posed by inflation and exchange rate volatility. The budget allocates ₦611.7 billion (82% of the total budget) to capital projects, aiming to drive long-term socioeconomic transformation in the state. This allocation underscores the administration’s focus on investing in critical infrastructure, human capital development, and economic growth.
Additionally, ₦138.6 billion (18% of the budget) will be dedicated to recurrent expenditures, covering personnel costs, social benefits, overheads, and debt servicing. The health and education sectors will receive approximately 35% of the budget, with 15% allocated to the health sector, 14.63% to basic and secondary education, and 5.42% to tertiary education.
These allocations demonstrate the administration’s focus on human capital development, essential for driving progress in the state. By investing in healthcare and education, the administration aims to improve the quality of life for Abia residents, enhance their productivity, and create a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth.
The draft budget is based on optimistic projections, anticipating a 213% increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) to ₦100.6 billion, a 96% rise in statutory allocations to ₦183.4 billion, and a 55% increase in grants to ₦25.5 billion. The remaining ₦364.1 billion (51% of the budget) will be financed through domestic and multilateral channels.
These projections reflect the administration’s confidence in its ability to generate revenue and attract investment to the state. Governor Otti’s administration has made significant strides in critical sectors, including massive roads construction and reconstruction, revolutions in the health and education sector, tackling food security and sufficiency through huge investment in agriculture, and creating critical enablers for entrepreneurship and trade.
These achievements have not only improved the quality of life for Abia residents but have also created opportunities for economic growth and development. The administration’s commitment to road infrastructure development has been particularly impressive, with the completion of several critical road projects across the state.
Furthermore, Governor Otti is committed to opening up Abia by providing critical infrastructures, including the proposed Abia Airport Project, which will be flagged off on December 17 by the Federal Government. This project aims to make Abia an investment hub and destination in Nigeria. The airport project will not only enhance connectivity and facilitate trade but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The Governor’s unrelenting efforts to ensure adequate security in the state are also noteworthy. His collaboration with security agencies has maintained a secure environment, conducive to investment and growth. The administration’s commitment to security has also enhanced the confidence of residents and investors, creating a favorable business climate.
In addition, the administration’s focus on transparency and accountability has been impressive. The budget presentation was a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to openness and transparency. The detailed breakdown of the budget allocations and the projected revenue sources demonstrates the administration’s willingness to be accountable to the people.
The administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability is also reflected in its efforts to strengthen institutions and promote good governance. The establishment of the Abia State Bureau of Public Procurement is an example of the administration’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Suffice it to say that Abia State’s 2025 Budget presents a comprehensive plan for sustaining momentum and driving progress in the state. With its focus on human capital development, infrastructure, security, and transparency, the budget demonstrates Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia into a hub for investment and growth. As the administration continues to work tirelessly to deliver on its promises, the people of Abia State can be confident that their future is bright.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA on Public Affairs to the Governor of Abia State.
