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Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services have praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for what they described as unprecedented progress in healthcare delivery across the state.
The commendation was made on Tuesday during a working visit by the committee to the governor’s office in Umuahia, as part of its oversight duties.
Oversight Visit on Basic Healthcare Provision Fund
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the committee, Dr Amos Magaji, said the lawmakers were in Abia to assess the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
“We are here because of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. We have visited over 30 states across Nigeria to ensure that the fund is working effectively,” Magaji said.
He explained that the National Assembly is considering increasing the BHCPF allocation from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, stressing the need to confirm that the fund is delivering results at the state level.
Beyond Healthcare: Power, Roads, Sanitation
According to Magaji, the committee’s observations in Abia went beyond the health sector.
“What we have seen here is not limited to healthcare alone. Other critical sectors that strengthen healthcare delivery are performing remarkably well,” he said.
He specifically cited the Geometric Power project in Aba, describing it as a development capable of transforming Abia—and Nigeria—into an industrial hub.
‘A Changed Narrative’ for Abia
The lawmaker commended Governor Otti for what he described as a remarkable turnaround in the state, noting visible improvements in sanitation, road infrastructure, power supply, and healthcare.
“Since our arrival, it has been one success story after another. Abia was once known as one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria, but today the environment is clean and organised,” Magaji said.
Drawing a biblical comparison, he added:
“Like the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon, half of what we heard about Abia did not prepare us for what we have now seen with our own eyes.”
Reduced Maternal Mortality, Improved Facilities
Magaji described Abia as one of Nigeria’s emerging success stories, highlighting projects such as Project Ekwueme and improvements in maternal healthcare.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate—over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 births—but noted that Abia has recorded significant reductions in recent years.
“The revitalisation of primary healthcare centres, strengthening of specialist hospitals in Umuahia, and the recent accreditation of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital are achievements worth celebrating,” he said.
The committee also applauded the state government for increasing its health budget in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration, which recommends allocating at least 15 per cent of annual budgets to healthcare.
Healthcare Is a Social Responsibility — Otti
In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to healthcare, describing it as a critical social infrastructure.
“Healthcare is a social responsibility, just like roads. I want a situation where anyone who walks into a primary healthcare centre has a 100 per cent chance of survival,” he said.
The governor noted that while infrastructure is important, human resources remain a major challenge.
“You can build the best hospitals, but without the right manpower, they cannot function optimally,” he explained.
Attracting Medical Experts from Abroad
Otti disclosed that Abia has recently attracted medical professionals from overseas, including specialists from the United States and South Africa.
“We even have a neurosurgeon who joined us from New York. Creating the right environment is key to attracting skilled professionals,” he said.
According to the governor, security, quality education, reliable water supply, and a peaceful living environment are essential factors for retaining healthcare workers.
Stakeholders Present
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Emeka Obioma, and the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, highlighted achievements recorded by the Otti administration and thanked the committee for its visit.
Also present were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Special Advisers on Health and Legislative Matters, the Director-General of the Strategic Communication Bureau, and heads of state-owned health institutions and agencies.
