Umuahia, Nigeria — October 21, 2025
In a move aimed at improving efficiency and motivation within the state civil service, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has presented 28 brand-new Geely Emgrand vehicles to permanent secretaries across ministries, departments, and agencies.
The official handover ceremony, held at the Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday, marked a significant step in Governor Otti’s ongoing public sector reform agenda focused on restoring dignity, professionalism, and productivity in the state’s civil service.
Modern Tools for a Modern Civil Service
Speaking during the presentation, Governor Otti said the vehicles were provided to ensure that senior civil servants have the necessary mobility and logistical support to perform their duties effectively.
“This administration recognizes that the civil service is the engine room of government. For our policies to succeed, the service must function efficiently and with dignity,” Otti stated.
He explained that the vehicles were procured as part of his administration’s commitment to welfare and operational support for career public officers, emphasizing that civil servants remain the backbone of government implementation.
“We cannot demand excellence from our civil servants if we do not provide the tools they need to succeed. These vehicles are not luxuries; they are work assets meant to enhance supervision, coordination, and delivery of government programmes,” the governor added.
Transparency and Accountability in Procurement
Governor Otti clarified that the 28 Geely Emgrand vehicles were procured directly through transparent government channels, without any form of inflated cost or political interference.
He noted that his administration is determined to eradicate corruption and wasteful expenditure, while prioritizing projects and initiatives that have direct impact on governance and the welfare of Abians.
“Every kobo spent by this government is carefully accounted for. We will continue to ensure transparency and value for money in all our procurement processes,” he assured.
Civil Servants Commend the Governor
Permanent Secretaries in attendance expressed appreciation to the governor for his gesture, describing it as historic and morale-boosting.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Head of Service, Dr. Queen Obioma, commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and commitment to reforming the public service.
“This is the first time in many years that permanent secretaries in Abia State are being provided with official vehicles in a transparent and equitable manner,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to the governor for recognizing the importance of the civil service in driving development.”
She pledged that the vehicles would be used strictly for official purposes, assuring that all permanent secretaries will reciprocate the gesture through dedication and improved performance.
Reforming Abia’s Public Service
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Otti has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the Abia State Civil Service, with a focus on capacity building, staff welfare, and digital transformation.
Under his leadership, the government has initiated several reforms, including:
- The automation of payroll systems to eliminate ghost workers.
- The rehabilitation of government offices across the state.
- Regular payment of salaries and pensions.
- Training and retraining programmes to enhance professionalism.
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration would continue to reward diligence and integrity, while enforcing discipline and accountability in the civil service.
“We are building a new Abia where public officers serve with pride and commitment. The era of neglecting our civil servants is over,” he said.
Boost to Local Economy and Job Creation
Analysts have lauded the government’s decision to procure Geely Emgrand vehicles, noting that it reflects the administration’s support for local and regional economic partnerships.
The vehicles, assembled in Nigeria through Geely’s local partners, are part of efforts to promote homegrown industrial development and encourage foreign direct investment in the automotive sector.
Mr. Uche Anyanwu, an economist and public policy expert, described the move as “strategically smart,” saying:
“By choosing a locally-assembled brand, the government is not only supporting efficiency in the civil service but also contributing to job creation and industrial growth within Nigeria.”
A New Culture of Efficiency
Observers believe the gesture signals a renewed culture of efficiency and accountability within Abia’s public sector, aligning with Otti’s broader vision of transforming governance in the state.
The governor has repeatedly emphasized that the civil service must be repositioned as a professional and service-oriented institution, capable of implementing policies effectively and delivering measurable results to citizens.
“We expect every permanent secretary and senior official to lead by example, ensuring that the government’s agenda for growth and good governance is realized in every ministry and agency,” Otti said.
Public Reaction
Across Abia State, the announcement has generated widespread commendation, with civil servants and citizens alike praising the governor for his proactive leadership.
Social media reactions also reflected optimism, with many residents describing the initiative as a “positive change from the old order” where senior officials struggled with inadequate resources to perform their duties.
Mrs. Ngozi Nwogu, a staff member at the Ministry of Education, said the gesture would “go a long way in improving supervision and service delivery.”
“For years, many senior officers had to use personal vehicles or rely on outdated ones. This intervention shows that the governor truly values the civil service,” she said.
The Road Ahead
Governor Otti reaffirmed that the vehicle distribution is only the first phase of his administration’s efforts to equip the civil service.
He disclosed that similar interventions will soon extend to directors and field officers, particularly those in charge of monitoring infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects across the state.
“Every officer with responsibility for service delivery will be adequately empowered. Our goal is a civil service that is mobile, modern, and results-driven,” he stated.
Conclusion
With the distribution of 28 brand-new Geely Emgrand cars to permanent secretaries, Governor Alex Otti continues to set a new standard for governance and accountability in Abia State.
The initiative not only underscores his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the civil service, but also demonstrates his broader vision of a transparent, efficient, and people-centered government.
As reforms continue to unfold, many observers believe that Otti’s sustained investment in human capital and administrative modernization will leave a lasting legacy in the state’s governance architecture.
