Abia State Ministry of Finance

𝗔bia Soars in ease of doing business rankings.

Abia State yesterday reinforced its growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations as the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) held its Nationwide Subnational Engagement and Technical Reform Workshop in Umuahia.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Ease of Doing Business Council, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu , FNSE, said the administration has remained focused on removing barriers to enterprise, strengthening institutions and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. He noted that since 2023, the Dr Otti administration has pursued deliberate reforms in infrastructure, security, digital governance and public service delivery to restore investor confidence and accelerate economic growth across the State.

Engr. Emetu highlighted key achievements including the reconstruction of strategic roads linking markets, industrial clusters and commercial hubs, technology-driven security initiatives, expansion of digital infrastructure and the landmark Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days policy, which has seen over 4,407 Certificates of Occupancy issued within three years.

He further disclosed that government has established One Stop Investment Centres in Aba and Umuahia, launched an Export Growth Lab in Aba, modernised land administration processes and invested heavily in human capital development through the recruitment of over 5,300 teachers and more than 600 healthcare workers. According to him, these reforms have positioned Abia as a competitive destination for investment, innovation and job creation.

In her remarks, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director General of PEBEC, commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments in driving economic reforms, stressing that stable policies, quality infrastructure and efficient institutions remain critical to attracting investment.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business, Barr. Agbonma Jennifer Okorafor revealed that Abia has moved from 32nd to 11th position nationally in Ease of Doing Business rankings and recently qualified for a World Bank supported facility after meeting critical performance benchmarks.

The workshop attracted top government officials, development partners, private sector leaders and stakeholders committed to advancing business reforms and economic competitiveness in Nigeria.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗦.𝗢.𝗕. 𝗜𝗴𝘄𝗲
SSA to the Executive Governor of Abia State on New Media.
5 June 2026

GOV. OTTI ASSURES RMAFC OF SUPPORT FOR NATIONWIDE DATA VERIFICATION EXERCISE, CALLS FOR GREATER EMPHASIS ON REVENUE GENERATION.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) of his administration's full support for its nationwide data verification exercise aimed at reviewing and updating the data used in revenue allocation between the Federal Government, States, and Local government areas across Nigeria.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in his office while receiving a delegation from the Commission who came for the verification excercise.

The Governor disclosed that relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) had already been directed to provide all necessary information and support required for the successful conduct of the exercise.

"We are happy that you are here on this National data verification exercise, and you can be assured that our team will provide you with all the support and information you require.

"The Honourable Commissioner for Finance and his team have been designated to pay attention to anything that you require. Information available to me is that we have been working well together, and I am sure that we will make your assignment seamless and easy," Governor Otti assured.

The State Chief Executive emphasized that while equitable revenue allocation remains important, greater attention should be given to strengthening internal revenue generation and building economically sustainable States.

Gov. Otti noted that excessive dependence on oil revenue poses long-term risks, especially, as global economies continue to transition away from fossil fuels. In his words, "I have always held the view that resource distribution and allocation is important, resource generation is even more important. We will continue to enjoy the part while it lasts.

"What I am saying is that, this is okay for now. But, a more fundamental issue is how do we make States independent and have them generate enough revenue just in case they have no money to share. It may not be today, but it will happen someday,” Governor Otti said.

The Governor also highlighted the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Abia State, encouraging members of the delegation to explore the State's commercial and industrial hubs in order to gain firsthand insight into its vast economic potential.

Earlier, the Team Lead and the Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti State at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Hon. Omowumi Ogunlola, who delivered the Chairman's address, said that the team was in Abia State for the formal commencement of the Nationwide data verification exercise being conducted across the Federation.

She appealed to the State Government to provide access to relevant data and records, designate competent liaison officers to work with the Commission's team, facilitate access to local government areas, and ensure a conducive environment for the exercise.

"Your Excellency, this visit formally marks the commencement of the critical National assignment of verifying and updating the data used in revenue allocation between the National Government, States and Local government areas.

"This exercise is being undertaken in line with the Commission's constitutional mandate under the 1999 Constitution, which empowers it to continuously review the revenue allocation formula to reflect changing realities," Ogunlola stated.

Ogunlola, who also congratulated and commended Governor Alex Otti for his achievements in governance, noted that Nigeria's revenue allocation system is built on a set of parameters and indices designed to ensure fairness, equity, and justice in the distribution of National resources.

"It is therefore imperative that the data underpinning these indices are periodically verified and updated to reflect present-day realities.

"The ongoing review of the revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, making it necessary to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will ultimately guide the distribution of revenue across the Federation," she added.

Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Uwaoma Ukandu; the Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue, Special Adviser on IGR, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and the Mayor of Isiukwuato LGA and the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke and his Aba North Local Government colleague, Hon Timothy Iheke.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
June 2026

Happy New Month from the Ministry of Finance: Wishing All a Productive and Prosperous Month Ahead

*Building a Prosperous Future Through Smart Financial Decisions*.

Building a prosperous future starts with making smart financial decisions today. Whether you are a business owner, a salary earner, a trader, or a student, cultivating healthy financial habits can improve your financial security and create opportunities for growth.

Let’s build a stronger, more financially stable Abia together!
Ndewonu

Congratulatory Message

May I,on behalf of the entire ministry of finance warmly congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on the remarkable milestone of three years of transformational leadership in Abia State.

Your Excellency’s tenure has been defined by visionary governance, fiscal discipline, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to rebuilding the economic foundation of our dear state. Through strategic reforms and prudent financial management, Abia has witnessed renewed investor confidence, improved revenue generation, and impactful development across all sectors.

As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we acknowledge your unwavering dedication to excellence and your bold pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable future for Ndi Abia.

We celebrate your achievements and reaffirm our continued support in driving your administration’s vision to greater heights.
Congratulations, Your Excellency, on three years of purposeful and transformative leadership.

Mr Uwaoma Ukandu
Honourable Commissioner for Finance
Abia State

Photo news of interactive session with the federal commissioner RAMFAC

2026 children's day

"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future."
Never lose your curiosity, your wild imaginations, or your beautiful ability to find joy in the smallest things. Keep asking "why," keep dreaming big, and remember that you are capable of amazing things.
Happy children's day to all the amazing children from Abia state ministry of finance
We love you.

GOV. OTTI UNVEILS ₦306 MILLION TECH-ENABLING BUSINESS GRANT.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has launched a ₦306 million tech-enabling business grant called NKATA to support businesses across all 17 LGAS of the State.

Speaking while receiving the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, (ATSAC), and unveiling the project, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the youths of the State.

Governor Otti reiterated that the initiative was deliberately designed to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries across the State to ensure inclusiveness and wider access to economic opportunities.

The State Chief Executive noted that a total sum of ₦306 million has been earmarked for the beneficiaries, and maintained that they must meet up with the requirements for benefiting from the project and expressed the hope that the intervention would yield positive results.

“I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions.

"In a few months’ time, I want to hear that this intervention has yielded results, not just in monetary terms, but in job creation, poverty reduction, and empowerment of our people,” Governor Otti stated

The Governor said that the programme aligns with his administration’s vision of building a productive, self-reliant and innovation-driven economy, saying that government has gone forth and back on the issue and is now convinced that it would help to support the youths.

He explained that his administration deliberately chose to invest in productive ventures capable of generating long-term economic value, instead of funding mere consumption.

“We have gone forth and back on this, and we are convinced that this is one of the ways to support and help our people,” Governor Otti stated.

"The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested, and that investment will yield returns. This is our own way of intervening,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the grant project forms part of broader economic empowerment initiatives of his administration targeted at equipping Abians with relevant skills and support to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

The Governor said that the goal is to support and train Abia people so that they can become self-reliant and employers on their own, and urged them to utilise the opportunity responsibly by expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Abia State.

Presenting the project earlier, the Director-General, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC), Mr Peter Ukonu,
described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at supporting businesses, reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the State.

He explains that the NKATA, which adopts a different structure by deploying support through technology providers, rather than giving cash, was deliberately designed to ensure that technology resources are utilised for business expansion and productivity rather than diverted to other personal expenditures.

"We are not giving cash to businesses directly. We are actually doing so through technology service providers," Ukonu added.

He said that the programme brings together business technology service providers and mentors to drive digital tools, automation and AI, adding that the goal is to help Abia businesses move from survival to growth, improve productivity, create jobs and build a new generation of technology-enabling businesses.

Mr. Ukonu, who revealed that technology companies, software firms, hardware suppliers and internet providers would participate as service providers, while mentors, including those in the diaspora, would guide businesses in developing viable proposals and matching technological needs with solutions, explained that those eligible for the scheme are all Abia residents, who do business and pay taxes in Abia.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
May 2026.