Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed contractors handling government projects to accelerate their work and meet a strict deadline of April for completion. This move follows concerns over delays in executing key infrastructure projects, despite the state government releasing substantial funds.
Governor Otti expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on several project sites, emphasizing that delays would not be tolerated. He stressed that ongoing projects must show visible progress and warned that underperformance would be addressed.
The April deadline sets a critical timeline for contractors, as the state government intensifies efforts to ensure public projects are completed efficiently and benefit residents. Monitoring teams have been deployed to various sites to assess progress and ensure compliance with the new directive.
Governor Otti’s administration has already paid over N2 billion as counterpart funding to facilitate the smooth execution of various projects. The affected projects include road construction, rehabilitation works, and other public infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity within the state.
In January, Otti engaged with the Federal Government and contractors handling stalled projects, including the Aba-Owerri Road-NNPC Depot and Achingali-Obizi Umunwanwa Road, to ensure resumption of work. The governor prioritized urgent sections to reduce hardship, directing immediate intervention on the impassable Umunwanwa-Ubakala section.
Otti’s firm stance on project delays is not new. In June 2025, he stopped awarding fresh contracts to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) due to their slow delivery, emphasizing performance and accountability.
The governor’s actions have been welcomed by residents, who hope for the timely completion of projects impacting their daily lives. Improved roads and infrastructure are expected to boost economic activities and reduce travel difficulties.
Otti’s administration remains committed to infrastructure development, prioritizing projects that improve citizens’ welfare and drive economic growth.
