Abia Finance Transparency Debate Intensifies Amid Allocation Concerns

Former finance commissioner of Abia State, Hon. Obinna Oriaku, has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of federal allocations and other revenues received by the state. In a statement, Oriaku urged Governor Alex Otti to disclose how the state’s monthly allocations from the Federation Account and internally generated revenues (IGR) are being utilized.

The appeal follows remarks by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who emphasized the need for prudent management of federal resources to address critical infrastructure in Abia. Kalu claimed that the state received N38 billion in excess of federal allocations and other accruals each month during the second quarter of 2025. Governor Otti disputed this figure, insisting that the state’s monthly revenues amount to N15 billion.

Oriaku’s statement was prompted by the recently published Abia Q3 2025 Financial Report, which he described as “suspicious” and “confusing.” The report shows that Abia received a total revenue of N91 billion in Q3, a noticeable drop from the N114 billion recorded in Q2. Despite this decline, the state government continues to deny receiving an average of N38 billion monthly between April and June.

The former finance commissioner expressed disappointment at the inconsistencies in the report, noting that the state’s internally generated revenue rose from N13.3 billion to N18 billion during the same period. He also questioned the allocation of N14.4 billion to Land and Housing, urging the governor to provide further clarification. Additionally, Oriaku challenged the claim that N82 billion has been spent on repairing public schools, stating that this does not align with physical observations across the state. He also queried the N9.1 billion allocated to the transport sector, asking whether the funds were related to the electric bus project.

The call for transparency and accountability in Abia State’s financial management underscores the need for prudent use of public resources. As the state continues to receive significant allocations from the Federation Account and IGR, it is essential that the government provides clear and accurate information on how these funds are being utilized to address infrastructure and development needs.