Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said his administration has successfully lowered the state’s debt burden by 60 percent—from ₦259 billion in 2020 to ₦99 billion—without taking any new loans. He made this statement while speaking to key stakeholders at the State of Imo address held at the Imo State House of Assembly in Owerri.
The governor noted that this development proves that his government has managed state finances with discipline and responsibility. According to Uzodimma, the improvement in the state’s financial standing did not come from borrowing, but from better planning and reform. He also pointed out that internally generated revenue (IGR) has grown significantly, jumping from ₦400 million monthly in 2020 to nearly ₦4 billion in 2025.
He said, “I am pleased to report that our administration has also reduced the state’s debt profile from ₦259 billion in 2020 to ₦99 billion in 2025. This reduction of 60% is a clear signal of our prudent financial management.”
Speaking further, Uzodimma noted that the rise in IGR has allowed the state to increase investment in critical sectors like infrastructure and public services. “The impact is visible: our monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from an average of ₦400 Million in 2020 to nearly ₦4 billion in 2025, an increase of about 500%,” he said.
In the education sector, Uzodimma shared that the Federal Government had approved a take-off grant of ₦39 billion for the newly created Federal University in Okigwe, making Imo State the proud host of five public universities. “It gives me great joy to announce that Imo State has a brand new federal university,” he said.
He listed the existing institutions as Imo State University, K.O. Mbadiwe University, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Imo State Polytechnic, and Ben Uwajumogu College of Education.
The governor also introduced the Imo Heartland Mass Transit Programme, which will roll out soon with three bus terminals and 256 bus stops across the state. He said this plan aims to improve public transport, reduce travel costs, and create jobs. Construction work has already started on the terminals at Egbu Road, Onitsha Road, and Naze Road.
In terms of infrastructure, Uzodimma said that his administration has built more roads than any previous government since 1999. “To date, we have completed over 120 roads across the state,” he said. He also mentioned key projects like the International Conference Center, the Assumpta Flyover, and the new Concorde-Hilton Hotel.
The governor shared that his team had fully automated civil service operations, trained public workers, and cleared promotion backlogs. Salaries and pensions are now paid promptly.
On security, Uzodimma said that the state has regained peace after battling politically driven violence and criminal attacks. He credited collaboration with the Federal Government and security forces for the return of stability. “Through sustained partnership with the federal government and security agencies, we have steadily reclaimed the peace of Imo,” he said.
Finally, he called on those causing unrest to stop, saying: “No personal ambition is worth the blood of the people.” He urged everyone to support the government in building a peaceful and developed Imo State.
