Gov Otti Shuts Fake Accounts, Cleans Payroll with TSA in Abia

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has revealed that his administration shut down fictitious bank accounts maintained by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), following the introduction of a Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Speaking at the 2025 Ngwa Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, Otti said the reform not only exposed fraudulent accounts but also removed ghost workers from the state’s payroll.

According to Otti:

• The TSA was launched at the start of his administration.

• Payrolls were verified, and ghost personnel were eliminated.

• Payments were moved to digital platforms for accountability.

• Numerous untraceable bank accounts operated by MDAs were closed.

“The implication is that several fraudulent bank accounts maintained by MDAs across the state that could not be accounted for were closed, thus ushering us into better management and use of public funds for public good,” he said.

Otti emphasized that the TSA policy has improved the state’s ability to:

• Ensure regular payment of workers and pensions

• Free up resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security

• Restore public confidence in governance

The governor also told the Ngwa diaspora that Abia is now among the safest states in Nigeria, crediting the joint security team and the launch of Operation Crush, which reduced kidnappings and violent crimes.

Highlighting cultural preservation, Otti noted that his administration has prioritized teaching the Igbo language and history in schools to ensure future generations remain connected to their heritage.

Otti thanked Ngwa indigenes abroad for supporting Abia’s progress and urged them to deepen their involvement through domestic investments that will sustain the state’s growth.