Abia State workers, under the aegis of the State Public Service Negotiating Council (SPSNC), have expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly the clearance of over ₦40 billion in outstanding salary and pension arrears.
In a goodwill message issued to mark Democracy Day, the Council, through its Chairman, Comrade Sunday Agoha, and Secretary, Comrade Okoye Iloabuchi P., praised Governor Otti for transforming the economic well-being of public servants in the state within just two years in office.
According to the SPSNC, Abia’s civil servants have experienced an unprecedented level of financial stability and timely remuneration, which they attribute to the Governor’s prioritization of employee welfare and modernization of public service administration.
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The Council noted that the consistent and prompt payment of salaries and pensions marks a departure from past administrations, under which many civil servants and retirees faced months and even years of unpaid entitlements. They stated that such improvements had fostered renewed morale and efficiency in the state’s workforce.
The SPSNC specifically credited the digitization of government operations as a critical factor in enhancing transparency, accountability, and productivity across the civil service. The modernization initiative, they argued, had also contributed to the successful financial restructuring that enabled the clearance of the ₦40 billion debt.
In addition to improvements in salary and pension administration, the Council commended Governor Otti for initiating the construction and equipping of Smart Schools across all 17 Local Government Areas of the state. They described this as a visionary and legacy project aimed at revolutionizing basic education in Abia and ensuring future generations are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.
On the issue of infrastructure, the Council described the current state government’s road rehabilitation efforts as “an unmatched revolution.” Specific projects cited include the long-overdue reconstruction of the 41.4-kilometre Ohafia–Arochukwu Road. Other key roads currently undergoing work include the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road and the Port Harcourt Road.
In the area of security, the introduction of the Operation Crush joint task force was highlighted as a notable achievement. According to the Council, the security initiative has led to improved safety conditions across various parts of the state, creating a more secure environment for both residents and businesses.
While the SPSNC acknowledged these accomplishments, they also used the Democracy Day message to present a list of requests to further support workers and sustain the gains recorded. Key among these demands is the need for the accelerated promotion of civil servants and the payment of any pending promotion arrears by the last quarter of 2025.
They also called for quarterly skills enhancement programs targeting civil servants between Grade Levels 07 and 17, emphasizing the importance of continuous training in a modern public service environment.
In addition, the Council appealed to the Governor to initiate the development of 5,000 affordable housing units for public servants to ease accommodation challenges faced by workers in the state.
Another significant request is the implementation of a 40% transport allowance. The Council stated that this measure would help cushion the economic impact of the recent removal of fuel subsidies, which has significantly increased the cost of living across the country.
Other recommendations include the continued regular payment of salaries and pensions, the expansion of subsidized healthcare services for government employees, and the provision of equitable employment opportunities to encourage greater youth participation in governance.
The Council also proposed stronger support for civil service cooperative societies as a way to boost financial empowerment among workers.
Despite these requests, the SPSNC reaffirmed its full support for Governor Otti’s administration. They encouraged the Governor to maintain the current momentum of governance and reform, which they said has not only improved the living conditions of workers but also enhanced public confidence in state leadership.
Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office in May 2023, has consistently emphasized fiscal responsibility, transparency, and service delivery as cornerstones of his administration. His government has positioned itself as worker-friendly, with significant investments in infrastructure, education, health, and security.
As Abia State marks another Democracy Day, the tone of the public service community remains one of optimism and gratitude, tempered by constructive advocacy for sustained progress.
