BudgIT praises Abia's progress and seeks a strategic partnership

The BudgIT Foundation praised the developmental advances made in Abia under Governor Alex Otti's administration.

BudgIT also suggested a strategic partnership with the Abia government focused on fiscal sustainability, transparency and social‑sector development.

BudgIT Global Director Oluseun Onigbinde made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Governor Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.

Onigbinde said the visit followed BudgIT’s release of its 2025 State of States Report.

He noted that the report placed Abia fourth overall in Nigeria, up from 17th position two years earlier.

He said: “We are impressed primarily with your progress and we want to see Abia continue to lead on this.

“Abia moved from 17th to fourth within a period of two years and that is a very competitive index.”

Onigbinde explained that the proposed collaboration would concentrate on fiscal sustainability, transparency and accountability.

He added that it would also support investments in healthcare and education.

According to him, the State of States ranking is widely used by development partners.

He said financial institutions and agencies, including the World Bank, rely on the rankings for state‑performance assessments.

Onigbinde emphasized the need for sustained healthcare investment to achieve meaningful development.

He stated that human‑capital development remains central to economic and social progress.

BudgIT Nigeria Country Director Vahyala Kwaga also praised Abia’s performance across key indicators.

“Abia came fourth overall and particularly, if you look at the sub‑indexes, Abia was in top four.

“For Index A, A1, B and D, that reflects how well the state is being run,” Kwaga said.

He added that Abia consistently ranked among the leading states in fiscal‑transparency reporting.

Kwaga described the state government as receptive to constructive engagement and policy dialogue.

In response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The issue about transparency is non‑negotiable. That is the foundation of governance,” the governor said.

He said his administration had terminated relationships with individuals over transparency‑related concerns.

Otti explained that government policies are aimed at improving residents’ quality of life, citing education, healthcare and infrastructure as priority sectors.

He noted that his administration inherited failing infrastructure when it assumed office in 2023.

He cited dysfunctional hospitals, poor sanitation conditions and declining school enrolment as challenges.

Otti said his government introduced free and compulsory basic education, arguing that school fees had become a major barrier to attendance.

According to him, school enrolment doubled shortly after the policy was introduced.

He added that the development compelled the government to recruit more teachers.

Otti also highlighted reforms across the healthcare sector, explaining that his administration inherited 948 dysfunctional primary healthcare centres statewide.

The governor said rebuilding efforts included restoring accreditation at Abia State University Teaching Hospital.

He said the government initially prioritized infrastructure renewal over aggressive taxation.

According to him, restoring public confidence remained critical to sustainable revenue growth.

Otti welcomed BudgIT’s proposed partnership with the state government.

He described the initiative as an opportunity to deepen fiscal sustainability, transparency and accountability. (NAN)

The post BudgIT commends Abia’s progress, seeks strategic partnership appeared first on Vanguard News.