COMMENTARY
“Half of What We Heard Is Not Up To Half of What We Have Seen” — Federal House Committee on Healthcare Services Applauds Governor Alex Otti’s Unprecedented Healthcare Reforms, Commends Abia as One of Nigeria’s Greatest Success Stories
…as Gov. Otti says He Wants a Situation Where Somebody Walks Into a PHC With 100% Chances Of Survival
— Discloses That One Of The Recently Recruited Healthcare Professionals Is A Neurosurgeon Who Returned From New York City (NYC) To Join The Abia State Health Workforce
Members of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services have commended Governor Alex Otti for what they described as unprecedented achievements in the healthcare sector, noting that the scale, depth, and impact of reforms in Abia State stand out among states of the federation.
The commendation was led by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dr. Amos Gwamna Magaji, during a working visit to Governor Otti on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, as part of the Committee’s nationwide oversight of the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Hon. Magaji explained that the Committee is currently touring states across the country to assess how effectively the BHCPF is being deployed, particularly in light of ongoing national discussions to increase the fund from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“We are here because of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. As we stand here, sir, we have been to over 30 States of Nigeria, going around to ensure that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund works.
“There was high demand that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund should move from 1% concentration fund to 2%. And we decided that if that would be the case, we want to know if it is working or it’s not working.
“This is why we are here, Your Excellency, and what we have seen in the State, not just in the Healthcare sector, but in other sectors that strengthen healthcare. The geometric power in Aba is another thing that will turn this country, not just Abia State, into an industrial hub.” Hon. Magaji stated.
The Committee Chairman noted that Governor Otti’s impact transcends healthcare, pointing to visible improvements in sanitation, road infrastructure, electricity, and general urban renewal across the state.
He expressed amazement at the level of cleanliness and environmental transformation in Abia, recalling how the state was once regarded as one of the dirtiest in Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, since we came here, it has been one story of success to another. And, as we went around, the town is very, very clean.
“Your Excellency, for many years now, we used to know Abia State as one of the dirtiest States in Nigeria.
”Your Excellency, when I was looking at the State and the transformation that has happened, a scripture just dropped in my heart, and that is First Kings chapter 10.
”There was a renowned woman in the Bible called the Queen of Sheba. She heard about the excellence of King Solomon and decided that she was going to test him and let her see for herself. She saw that there was excellence…
”She also said that half of what she was told was not up to half of what she saw with her eyes. Your Excellency, this is what we have seen here
”When we heard about what is taking place in Abia State, we are proud, Sir. With the system of governance, with the excellence that you are demonstrating, we say thank you, sir.
“And I can say, Sir, that Abia State is one of the great success stories we are hearing – the “Project Ekwueme” is something very lovable.”
Hon. Magaji further drew attention to Nigeria’s troubling maternal mortality statistics, noting that the country currently records over 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. He commended Governor Otti for the seriousness with which his administration is addressing maternal and child healthcare, revealing that Abia State has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality over the past decade.
“We thank Your Excellency for the effort you are making. The revitalisation of the maternal healthcare centres, the strengthening of specialist hospitals, the one in Umuahia, and also the recent accreditation of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital.
“It’s something to be proud of. We are grateful for what you have done. Your commitment to increase the budget for health. The 2001 Abuja Declaration states that the budget for health should not be less than 15%,” Hon. Magaji.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s philosophy that healthcare is a core social infrastructure that must be treated with the same urgency as road construction and other essential public services.
“So, healthcare, from our own point of view, is a social infrastructure, just like building roads.
“I want a situation where somebody walks into a primary healthcare centre, with 100% chances of survival, if he has a problem. And until I have it at 100%, I will not stop.
“And that is why we are also doing everything possible. Because it is one thing to build very functional hospitals. And a different thing, to get healthcare professionals.
“So, some of the primary healthcare centres that we have completed, I insist that we cannot functionalise them until we have the right people,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti explained that his administration’s decision to allocate no less than 15 percent of the state budget to healthcare was informed by the Abuja Declaration of 2001, even though many Nigerians remain unaware of its provisions.
“And that was the basis of allocating no less than 15% of the budget to healthcare. I have always held the view that when people look at healthcare financing as investment, they miss the point.
“I would rather continue to call it healthcare expenditure rather than healthcare investment.
“Because, any time you talk about investment, the next thing to think about is to get a return.
“Interestingly, we are getting the right responses. Because I think in the last recruitment exercise, we’ve had doctors resume from the U.S., from South Africa, and places where they are asking for further work,” Governor Otti added.
The Governor disclosed that one of the recently recruited healthcare professionals is a neurosurgeon who returned from New York to join the Abia State health workforce, describing this as evidence that professionals respond positively to good governance and conducive working environments.
Governor Otti emphasized that beyond salaries, professionals seek safety, basic amenities, and a decent quality of life.
“You want a place where you can sleep and wake up and turn on the tap and water runs. And nobody harasses you on the road, kidnaps your wife or your daughter, or your sister. You want a place where you want to go to school and find a good school to go to,” Governor Otti said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State House Committee on Health, Hon. Emeka Jacob Obioma, and the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, while introducing the visiting lawmakers and explaining the purpose of their visit, highlighted numerous milestones recorded under Governor Otti’s healthcare reforms and thanked him for transforming healthcare delivery in the state.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; Special Advisers on Health and Legislative Matters; Chief Medical Director, Specialist/Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu. and heads of state-owned health institutions and agencies.
The visit further reinforces Abia State’s growing reputation as a model of purposeful governance and
people-centered healthcare reforms under Governor Alex Otti.