Alex Otti Commends Federal Government for Extending Credit Access to 1,000 Abians

According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has commended the Federal Government for providing consumer credit access to more than 1,000 residents of the state through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation.

Otti gave the commendation in Aba, the state’s commercial hub, during the unveiling of SPARK, a new USSD-based credit product designed to make formal credit easier to access, particularly for first-time borrowers.

The governor was represented at the event by his Principal Secretary and Chief Strategic Officer, Mr Chineye Mba Uzoukwu.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting businesses and enabling responsible consumer credit to reach more residents.

Our administration’s interventions have focused on energizing Aba’s economy, supporting enterprise and creating conditions for investment and business expansion, Otti said.

Under our watch Abia State is putting the conditions in place for businesses to grow, investments to flourish and responsible credit to reach more of our people.

The product is intended to simplify the process of applying for formal credit using a USSD service, which can be accessed through a mobile phone.

The launch forms part of efforts to widen access to consumer finance for people who may be seeking credit for the first time.

Otti’s remarks linked the initiative to his administration’s broader economic agenda, which focuses on strengthening Aba’s commercial activity and supporting enterprise.

He said the state was working to create conditions that would encourage investment and business expansion, while ensuring that credit is offered responsibly.

Consumer credit can help individuals meet planned expenses and manage purchases over time, but access to formal borrowing has often been limited for people without an established credit history or easy access to digital financial services.

Services designed for first-time borrowers aim to make the application process more accessible, while requiring users to understand repayment terms and obligations.

The governor’s commendation also highlighted cooperation between the Federal Government and state authorities in extending financial services to residents.

The reported number of beneficiaries, more than 1,000 Abians was presented as an early indicator of the programme’s reach in the state.

At the event, the USSD-based format was described as a way to reduce barriers to applying for credit, especially for users who may not rely on smartphone applications.

The service is intended to bring formal credit within easier reach through a familiar mobile-phone channel.

Otti, through his representative, said Abia would continue to support an environment in which businesses can operate and investments can grow.

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