By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has unveiled a 25-year Development Plan, signaling a decisive shift toward achievement of long-term, disciplined planning and sustainable economic transformation in the state.
Speaking during the event at the International Conference Centers, Umuahia, Otti described the plan as a deliberate effort by the State Government to create a roadmap for sustainable growth and economic transformation in Abia.
He said that development does not occur by accident but through intentional planning, disciplined execution and consistent policy direction anchored on realistic assumptions.
Otti noted that the previous long-term plan by the past administration became obsolete due to global shocks, policy changes and shifting macroeconomic fundamentals, including foreign exchange volatility.
The governor said that the new plan reflects current realities and positions Abia to harness emerging economic opportunities at national and global levels.
He also described the document as a practical framework guiding policy choices, resource allocation and institutional strengthening over a 25-year period.
Otti said that the rapid progress recorded across several sectors in the last 30 months necessitated a recalibration of earlier development assumptions.
He explained that rising public confidence and optimism also informed adjustments to align the plan with citizens’ expectations.
The governor said that the growing interest from international development partners underscored Abia’s emergence as a credible development frontier.
He thanked development partners that worked with the government to produce the plan for their technical and strategic contributions to the successful completion of the plan.
He stressed that the development plan had been enacted into law to ensure continuity across successive administrations.
Otti added that the legislation makes it difficult for future governments to abandon the plan without legislative approval.
Otti said that annual budgets, beginning from 2026, would be derived directly from the development plan.
He added that the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the House of Assembly was based on the plan’s priorities.
The governor said that the plan outlines clear milestones in education, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, housing, water and sanitation.
He disclosed that the plan mandates a comprehensive review every five years to assess progress and recalibrate targets.
Otti said that provisions were also made for adjustments in the event of major socioeconomic disruptions.
He announced that the state aims to achieve self-sufficiency in funding recurrent expenditure through improved internal revenue generation.
Otti added that revenues from external sources would be dedicated entirely to capital projects.
He expressed optimism that investments, infrastructure expansion and revenue reforms would reduce reliance on federal allocations.
Otti described the development plan as a collective aspiration of the Abia people and a binding guide for future governance.
He urged citizens and stakeholders to protect the document and ensure leaders remain committed to its implementation.
Otti said that the plan which could be referred to as the New Abia Project required collective responsibility, discipline and sustained belief in the future.
He assured that his administration would remain faithful to the development path outlined in the plan.
The governor thanked partners, advisers and citizens for their contributions and support toward Abia’s long-term development agenda.
In her address, the Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), Ms Elsie Attafuah, commended the government for unveiling a plan anchored on sustainability, inclusion and shared prosperity.
Attafuah, represented by an official of the agency, Ms. Maureen Okoro, described the plan as courageous and strategic amid global uncertainty and climate challenges.
She said that long-term planning was essential to address economic transitions, technological change and climate shocks confronting governments worldwide.
Attafuah noted that the plan aligns with UNDP principles of evidence-based planning, inclusive growth, strong institutions and sustainable financing that leaves no one behind.
She said that the development must focus on improving lives, expanding opportunities and building resilience for present and future generations.
Attafuah described the UNDP-Abia partnership as strategic, driven by shared values and commitment to people-centred development.
She said that the plan would serve as a framework for collective action among government, development partners, private sector, civil society and communities.
The UNDP representative praised the plan’s emphasis on youth and women employment, innovation, digital transformation and private-sector participation.
She reaffirmed UNDP’s readiness to support implementation, monitoring, data systems, inclusive governance and innovative financing.
Attafuah said that the plan’s success would be measured by its impact on poverty reduction, resilience and long-term prosperity.
In his remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kanu, said that development required intentional and deliberate planning.
Kanu described the 25-year plan as a collective commitment to rebuilding Abia for shared prosperity.
He thanked development partners and stakeholders for supporting what he called a bold and transformational initiative.
In his remarks, a representative of the Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND), Mr. Chuks Ofolue, lauded Abia Government’s commitment to long-term planning.
Ofolue expressed PIND’s resolve to support the state, and stressed that economic development and peace were play a significant role in development.
He commended the present administration for the visible infrastructure improvements and positive changes in public mindset across the state.
Ofolue urged the government to legislate the plan and strengthen civil service capacity to ensure continuity across administrations.
He pledged PIND’s continued support in agriculture, youth employment and enterprise development.
Also speaking, the Strategy, Institutions and Policy Advisor of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement(PACE), Mr. Obibuaku Ordu, praised Abia’s climate governance initiatives.
Ordu said that the completion of the climate change policy and mobilisation of climate finance showed strong leadership commitment.
He expressed confidence in the government’s capacity to translate the plan’s aspirations into tangible outcomes.
The President of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Mazi Jude Nwosu, described the plan as transformative.
Nwosu said that the strategy would position Abia as a regional hub for innovation, investment and socio-economic advancement.
He stressed that strong institutions, transparency and good governance were critical for successful long-term development.
Nwosu assured the business community’s readiness to partner with government in implementing the plan.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning , Mr Kingsley Anosike, said that the plan builds on achievements recorded in the last 30 months of the Otti-led administration.
Anosike said that the period recorded major gains in road infrastructure, education, healthcare and civil service reforms, restoring public confidence in governance and providing a solid foundation for long-term socio-economic planning.
Anosike said that the plan addresses post-pandemic realities, global economic volatility and Abia’s development challenges, while aligning with global and continental development frameworks.
He said that the document prioritises fiscal reforms, industrialisation through infrastructure, human capital development, climate action and private sector participation.
Anosike said that plan had been structured around six strategic pillars for inclusive growth statewide.
Anosike said the plan was developed through extensive consultations with traditional rulers, women, youth, civil society groups and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity, ownership and practical solutions to identified risks.
He said that its implementation would occur in four phases, starting with quick-impact projects in 2025, followed by economic consolidation, sustainability and resilience, and long-term future-proofing of Abia’s development for generations ahead.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor signed the development plan, which is titled “Building Resilience, Driving Innovation, Safeguarding Our Future”, at the event.
