State government says improved revenue mobilisation, capital investment and prudent spending are driving rapid economic and infrastructural progress

Abia State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-improving states in revenue generation, capital expenditure and overall fiscal performance, according to data cited by the state government.

The government said the state recorded significant improvements in its finances and infrastructure between 2017 and 2026, attributing the progress to stronger revenue mobilisation, prudent management of public resources and increased investment in critical infrastructure.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, findings from the 2026 Budget Report and the Phillips Consulting State Performance Index placed Abia among the leading states in several key fiscal indicators.

He said Abia ranked second nationally in aggregate revenue growth and third in internally generated revenue (IGR) growth.

The state, he added, ranked first in total expenditure growth, first in capital expenditure growth and first in personnel expenditure growth, while maintaining relatively low overhead expenditure.

“Both reports point in the same direction. Abia State is improving rapidly,” Kanu said.

He further said the Phillips Consulting assessment ranked Abia as the third-fastest improving state, with a score of 0.67 basis points, behind Enugu State with 1.15 basis points and Jigawa State with 0.77 basis points.

Kanu attributed the development to what he described as “adroit” and prudent management of the state's resources.

He said the administration's approach had focused on increasing revenue while directing more resources towards capital projects and keeping administrative costs under control.

Government prioritises citizens' welfare

Despite the positive rankings, Kanu said the state government was less concerned about competing with other states than it was about improving the quality of life of residents.

“All that the state government is really interested in is to serve the interests of Abia citizens in the best possible way with focus on what is best and dignifying for Abia citizens,” he said.

The commissioner said the government's performance should ultimately be measured by the impact of its policies and projects on ordinary residents.

Abia to distribute over 3 million mosquito nets

On healthcare, Kanu announced plans by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, to distribute 3,000,030 insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the state's 17 local government areas in September.

The nets, valued at more than ₦1 billion, will be distributed as part of efforts to reduce malaria infections and prevent malaria-related deaths.

The exercise will be the state's first mass insecticide-treated net campaign since 2010.

The government is also expanding access to healthcare through its Community-Based Health Insurance Programme, which has so far enrolled 270,739 people.

Kanu said the Ameke Community Health Insurance Scheme would be formally launched on September 16, 2026, with an initial target of enrolling 1,000 residents.

At a contribution of ₦18,000 per person, the initial enrolment represents an estimated outlay of ₦18 million.

He added that recruitment of additional medical personnel remains open, including consultants, medical officers and dental officers.

The commissioner also said no cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, Mpox or yellow fever were recorded in the state during the period under review.

Railway-linked road projects

On infrastructure, Kanu disclosed that the Abia government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for the construction of a 200-metre road extension.

The road will run from Bende Road and connect to Umuwaya Road by the Post Office Tower, passing through the railway crossing towards the Library Avenue axis.

The state government will also reconstruct the abandoned road linking First Bank to Keystone Bank, a project expected to help ease traffic congestion around Okpara Avenue.

Flood-control project reaches advanced stage

The government also provided an update on the Emede-Ibeku Flood Control Project, saying significant progress had been recorded.

According to Kanu, site clearing has been completed, while the embankment is now 90 per cent complete.

Drainage excavation and concreting have each reached 80 per cent completion.

He added that properties identified with structural defects had been sealed off as a precautionary measure to protect residents and prevent possible accidents.

Bus terminal expansion, solar power project underway

At the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, work is ongoing to expand ticketing facilities and install solar mini-grid carports capable of providing power around the clock.

The project is currently 60 per cent complete and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

The government said the investment is intended to improve the efficiency of the terminal while providing a more reliable power supply for its operations.

Green Shuttle records over 560,000 passengers

The Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service has also recorded increased patronage since its introduction.

Kanu said the buses had transported 560,784 passengers to date.

During the free-ridership period between December 2025 and February 2026, the service recorded 196,950 passengers.

Following the commencement of commercial operations in March, the service carried another 303,834 passengers between March and August 2026 at subsidised fares.

Kanu described the figures as evidence of growing acceptance of the state-owned transport initiative among residents and visitors.

“This is an indication that a lot of Abians and residents are using the bus services and taking advantage of the exquisite services being rendered,” he said.

The Abia government said the combination of fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, healthcare interventions and public transport initiatives formed part of its broader effort to improve living conditions and make government services more accessible to residents.