Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed that his administration uncovered and shut down numerous fraudulent bank accounts previously operated by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Governor Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, made the disclosure while delivering his keynote speech at the 2025 Ngwa Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He explained that the TSA policy not only exposed financial leakages but also led to the elimination of ghost workers, thereby ensuring better accountability and transparency in the state’s finances.
“In the early days of this administration, we introduced the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which helped clean up payrolls through rigorous verification and removed ghost workers. This reform also migrated the state to digital payment systems,” Otti said.
According to him, the closure of several unaccounted-for bank accounts maintained by MDAs marked a decisive step towards efficient management of public resources. “The implication is that we are now able to channel more funds into public good — ensuring regular payment of workers and pensioners, and investing heavily in health, education, infrastructure, and security,” he added.
Highlighting the dividends of his reforms, Otti noted that Abia is today among the safest states in Nigeria, thanks to the establishment of Operation Crush, a joint security initiative that has drastically reduced kidnappings and violent crimes.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of cultural preservation, stressing that his administration has prioritized the teaching of Igbo language and history in schools to ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots.
Commending members of the Ngwa clan in the diaspora for their unwavering contributions to the development of Abia State, Otti urged them to deepen their support by investing back home. “Your sacrifices and support have been instrumental. We now invite you to partner with us further as we build a prosperous and secure Abia for generations to come,” he appealed.
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