Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has revealed that the Federal Government is yet to refund the funds spent by his administration on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of key federal roads within the state.
The governor made the disclosure during an expanded meeting of the Imo State Executive Council held on Saturday, where he provided an extensive update on his administration’s developmental strides and outlined several new policy initiatives.
The development was detailed in a statement signed by the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, and obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday.
Governor Uzodimma explained that his decision to undertake major road projects, traditionally under federal purview, was driven by the urgent need to ease movement, attract investment, and improve the living conditions of residents. He listed the significant projects his administration has completed without federal reimbursement.
“We have done the Owerri–Okigwe Road, Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, Owerri–Orlu Road, Orlu–Ugah–Akokwa Road, and we are currently working on the Owerri–Omarelu Road, but the Federal Government has not refunded a kobo,” the governor said. “The governor after me might even be the one to receive the refund if I do not get it. Of course, I didn’t build the roads because of refunds; I built them so that Imo people can use them.”
During the meeting, which brought together commissioners, aides, and local government chairmen, Uzodimma also unveiled plans to launch a 24-hour power supply in Owerri by November 2025, an initiative he said would later be extended to Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise.
In another major policy announcement, he disclosed that workers earning below ₦150,000 per month would soon be exempted from personal income tax, with oil companies operating in the state expected to help cushion the effect on government revenue.
Furthermore, the governor announced plans to introduce free transportation for students and pensioners along major routes using newly procured CNG-powered metro buses.
Speaking on youth inclusion, the governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to grooming a new generation of leaders.
“We need a new generation of politicians to run the affairs of Imo State,” he declared.
On infrastructure, he revealed that a new Revenue House is under construction to centralise revenue collection, with about 50 per cent of the contract sum already paid to accelerate its completion.
Governor Uzodimma also spoke on the state’s preparedness for a State Police Force, noting that the existing vigilante structure would evolve into a formal police outfit once the constitutional framework is completed by the Federal Government.
“The outfit will be well-equipped to the standard of any military to effectively combat insecurity,” he assured.
He also reminded elected officials of their financial responsibility to the ruling party, stressing that state funds are for public development, and urged Imo representatives at the National Assembly to actively champion the state’s interests.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, the governor stated his readiness to face scrutiny after his tenure. “When I finish my tenure, call EFCC or ICPC — I will answer every call because I have nothing to hide,” he said confidently, reiterating that his government remains focused on good governance and building a prosperous future for Imo State.
