On September 13, 2024, jubilation swept through the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, as staff members celebrated the payment of long-overdue salary arrears by Governor Alex Otti. The salary backlog, accumulated over years by previous administrations, had left many workers in financial distress.
However, the governor’s recent efforts to address this burden have brought immense relief and sparked celebrations across the campus.
The Otti administration inherited a ₦16.5 billion debt from past leadership, covering arrears owed to staff in various state-owned institutions. In June 2024, the government announced a plan to clear the arrears in installments. The first installment was disbursed in mid-September, with workers finally receiving payments that had been delayed for months.
Videos circulating on social media show Polytechnic staff rejoicing, some kneeling in prayer and expressing gratitude for the governor’s intervention.
Abia State’s Commissioner for Finance, Mike Akpara, confirmed that the administration remains committed to settling the remaining arrears without disrupting other critical sectors of the economy. Governor Otti’s decision to begin clearing the backlog has earned widespread appreciation, especially among civil servants and their families.
This payment marks a major step forward for the state, providing much-needed financial relief to workers who had faced years of uncertainty. Governor Otti’s leadership and dedication to resolving these long-standing issues have generated optimism for a brighter future in Abia State.
