The Member representing Umuahia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, has applauded Governor Alex Otti’s 2026 Budget Estimate, describing it as a visionary blueprint that will unlock new possibilities for every community across the state.
He said the budget reflects discipline, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to transforming Abia through massive infrastructural expansion, human capital development and sectoral modernization.
Gov Otti on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 presented the N1.016 trillion fiscal plan, christened the Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities, to the House on. The budget allocates an unprecedented N811.8 billion, representing 80 percent of the total, to capital expenditure, while N204.4 billion (20 percent) is set aside for recurrent spending.
Speaking, Hon. Akaliro said the budget clearly demonstrates that Gov Otti is determined to build a modern, productive and forward-looking Abia State.
According to him, “Dr Alex Otti has shown once again that he is not governing for applause. He is governing for impact. This budget is not just ambitious; it is strategic, structured and intentionally targeted at areas that will bring lasting value to the people. It will open new possibilities for every Abia community, including those that have historically been neglected.”
Hon. Akaliro praised the governor’s high capital allocation, describing it as a bold departure from the pattern of previous administrations that prioritized routine governance over tangible development. He said the budget’s approach would accelerate growth in underserved areas, boost productivity and deepen investor confidence.
“The decision to commit 80 percent of this budget to capital projects is a strong political statement,” he noted. “It tells us clearly that this administration is serious about development. Roads, schools, hospitals, energy infrastructure and technology upgrades are the lifelines of modern economies, and this budget gives all of them special attention. Abia is finally being planned with the future in mind.”
He particularly highlighted the allocations to education and health, which together take up 35 percent of the budget. With N203.2 billion earmarked for education and N149.7 billion for health, Hon. Akaliro said the governor is building a foundation that will produce a healthier, smarter and more competitive generation of Abians.
“For me, the education sector allocation is transformational,” he said. “Fifteen thousand teachers will continue to receive their salaries, seventeen new model schools will be built, and three technical colleges will come on stream. This is how you build a knowledge-driven economy. The same applies to the health sector, where seven general hospitals and twenty-three primary healthcare centres will be upgraded. These are investments that touch human lives directly.”
On infrastructure, the lawmaker expressed optimism that the N169.3 billion allocated for road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation would significantly improve transportation and economic activities across the state. He said many communities in Umuahia North and neighbouring areas would feel the immediate impact of the governor’s commitment to road development.
“Umuahia North has suffered years of infrastructural neglect,” he said.
“But this budget gives us hope. With the scope of road projects planned for 2026, businesses will thrive, farmers will have easier access to markets and residents will experience faster travel and improved safety. This is what we have been waiting for.”
Hon. Akaliro also commended the governor’s fiscal discipline, particularly his insistence that recurrent expenditure will be funded solely from internally generated revenue, while concessional loans will be used strictly for capital projects.
“The governor’s approach to public finance is responsible and transparent,” he noted.
“By tying borrowing to capital projects alone, he is protecting the future of Abia. This is the kind of financial prudence that will not only stabilise the state but also stimulate long-term prosperity.”
He further praised the governor for his administration’s achievements in the outgoing 2025 fiscal year, which he said laid a strong foundation for the ambitious 2026 outlook. The achievements include more than six hundred kilometers of roads rehabilitated, free basic education, recruitment of over five thousand teachers, restoration and refurbishment of hospitals and increased health insurance coverage.
“As lawmakers, we have seen the impact of these reforms firsthand,” Hon. Akaliro added. “The results from 2023 to 2025 speak for themselves. The 2026 budget is simply building on what has already been achieved. It is a continuation of excellence.”
He assured his constituents that he would give the budget full legislative backing, promising to work with his colleagues to ensure that the bill receives accelerated hearings and timely passage.
“As my people's representative, it is my responsibility to support initiatives that will uplift lives and strengthen communities,” he said. “This budget is one of them. It is people-centered, development-focused and future-driven. I stand firmly with Governor Otti on this.”
Hon. Akaliro urged Abians to remain supportive of the administration, stressing that the coming year would deliver even more transformative changes across all sectors.
“With the direction we are moving, Abia’s progress is no longer theoretical,” he concluded. “It is practical, visible and measurable. The 2026 budget will open new possibilities for every community in Abia State.”
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