Two Years Anniversary: FENRAD Hails Gov. Otti on Environmental Sanitation and Infrastructure ...... Decries Fiscal Indiscipline and Obscurity in Procurement Process

Governor Alex Otti
Executive Governor, Abia State 

..... Calls for Proactive Disclosure, Transparency, and Accountability in Government Business

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has congratulates the Abia State Government on notable improvements in environmental sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure renewal. 

This is as the administration of Governor Alex Otti marks its second anniversary in office.

This is as FENRAD notes the massive desilting of drainage systems, street beautification, and investment in road infrastructure—especially within Umuahia and Aba—signal a commendable commitment to urban renewal and environmental sustainability. 

These efforts have enhanced the aesthetic appeal and health conditions of the state’s urban areas, aligning with global sustainable development goals. A statement issued and signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director, FENRAD Nigeria stated.

However, while acknowledging these visible achievements, FENRAD expresses deep concern over issues of fiscal discipline and transparency in public procurement under the current administration. The lack of detailed information on contract awards, project costing, and procurement bidding processes raises serious questions about public accountability. 

Citizens and civil society organisations have been left in the dark regarding how public funds are expended—especially in major capital projects. The recent allegations of contract inflation and sole-sourcing methods require urgent clarification from the relevant ministries and oversight agencies. The group bemoaned 

FENRAD recalls that Abia State is a signatory to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and has committed to principles of transparency, civic participation, and accountability. Therefore, the continuous opacity surrounding procurement and budget implementation violates both domestic procurement laws and global best practices. The State Public Procurement Law should be fully operationalized and monitored through the establishment of an independent procurement council and the publication of procurement plans and contract awards on official platforms accessible to the public.

To strengthen public trust and democratic governance, FENRAD urges the Otti administration to adopt proactive disclosure mechanisms, ensure citizens’ access to procurement and fiscal documents, and support the operationalization of the Abia State Audit Law and Fiscal Responsibility Framework. FENRAD reaffirms its commitment to engaging constructively with government institutions, while calling on the media, development partners, and anti-graft agencies to support efforts that will institutionalize transparency, prevent misuse of public funds, and uphold democratic accountability in governance processes.