Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has pledged to resolve all issues impeding the commencement of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development (ABSIID) projects in order to accelerate development across the state, revealing that the state government has already paid the N2 billion counterpart fund required for the initiative.
Governor Otti made this known on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the African Development Bank, led by Dr. Oyebola Akande, who visited the state to explore and discuss the best possible ways to fast-track the ABSIID projects.
The governor expressed concern over the delays that had slowed down the take-off of the infrastructure programme, despite the state fulfilling its financial obligations. He assured the delegation that his administration would take immediate steps to address any administrative, technical, or communication gaps that had hindered the commencement of the projects.
Otti emphasized that the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development projects are critical to the transformation of the state’s economy, noting that the projects are designed to improve road infrastructure, erosion control, urban renewal, and other key sectors that directly impact the lives of residents and businesses.
According to the governor, the payment of the N2 billion counterpart fund demonstrates the state government’s seriousness and commitment to the successful execution of the projects. He stated that Abia State would not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks or communication lapses to delay such an important development initiative.
In a decisive move, Governor Otti directed his Chief of Staff to immediately become part of the project coordination team and ensure that he receives a detailed weekly progress report on all matters concerning the ABSIID projects. He said the measure was necessary to ensure close monitoring, accountability, and swift decision-making.
The governor also disagreed with the proposed timeline to flag off the project by the middle of the year. Instead, he insisted that the flag-off should take place in April, attributing the earlier delay to an information gap, which he said prevented him from being properly briefed on the status of the project.
He stressed that infrastructure development remains a top priority of his administration, as it plays a major role in attracting investment, improving transportation, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall standard of living in the state.
Members of the delegation from the African Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance reportedly commended the Abia State Government for its commitment to the project, particularly the payment of the counterpart fund, which they described as a strong demonstration of political will and readiness to partner with development institutions.
The Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development project is expected to significantly transform critical sectors of the state’s economy when fully implemented. With the governor’s latest directive and push for an earlier flag-off date, residents and stakeholders are hopeful that the long-awaited infrastructure programme will commence soon and deliver meaningful development across the state.
