The Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mrs. Nkechi Oti, has raised concerns over over-staffing at the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), describing the situation as unsustainable and in need of urgent government intervention.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Alex Otti on Sunday in Umuahia, Mrs. Oti, who was on a familiarisation tour of agencies across the state, noted that her findings revealed that ASOPADEC is operating with more personnel than required. She recommended a structural review to ensure efficiency, productivity, and proper resource utilisation.
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Responding, Governor Otti acknowledged the issue and ordered immediate action. He directed the Head of Service to convene a meeting with ASOPADEC leadership within 24 hours to begin a proper audit and possible redeployment of surplus staff to other areas of need.
“I will engage ASOPADEC further to understand what the exact situation is. Our goal is not to throw anyone into the job market,” Governor Otti stated. “What we aim for is effective restructuring. If there is excess capacity, staff can be reassigned rather than retrenched.”
He added that his administration is committed to responsible governance, and as such, would not ignore red flags in any government agency. “We want things done properly. That’s what this government is about—efficiency, accountability, and results,” he said.
The Governor also reiterated that financial discipline remains a cornerstone of his leadership. He referenced a recent Debt Management Office (DMO) report that credited Abia for significantly reducing its debt burden, attributing the achievement to prudent spending and a strategic approach to public finance.
Mrs. Oti, in her remarks, commended the state for its progress under Governor Otti, including improvements in infrastructure, digital revenue systems, education, and healthcare. However, she emphasized that addressing inefficiencies such as overstaffing in agencies like ASOPADEC is crucial to sustaining the momentum.
The meeting was attended by key members of the state executive, including the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu; the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi; and the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodo Okafor.
