Governor Alex Otti’s administration has officially started clearing the ₦17.6 billion salary arrears owed to tertiary institutions in Abia State, bringing much-needed relief to staff members.
Over the weekend, employees across the state’s institutions expressed joy as they received bank notifications confirming the payment of the long-overdue salaries.
A viral video circulating on social media shows jubilant staff of Abia Polytechnic, Aba, celebrating and expressing gratitude to Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to address the backlog. The Governor initiated a monthly disbursement of ₦1.5 billion to gradually settle the debt over the next 12 months.
Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, confirmed the government’s commitment to the structured payment plan, ensuring that the arrears are cleared without disrupting other critical governance needs.
The statement reads, “In line with Governor Otti’s promise to clear the salary arrears inherited from previous administrations, the Accountant General’s office has started paying all verified workers. The total amount owed stands at ₦17,629,767,342.09, and payments will be spread across 12 months.”
The move underscores the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of civil servants in Abia State, ensuring their entitlements are paid while balancing other governance priorities.
In a separate statement, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, criticized past leaders responsible for accruing the debt, accusing them of using “opposition politics” to undermine the current administration’s efforts. Ukoha emphasized that Governor Otti feels more fulfilled by the outpouring of gratitude from state workers than by criticisms from those who mismanaged funds during their tenure.
