The Akwa Ibom State Government has outlined what it describes as significant progress across infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and public sector reform, as Governor Umo Eno’s administration approaches 33 months in office.
Speaking at the February edition of the State’s Monthly Media Briefing held at the Government House Press Centre in Uyo, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, said the administration remains focused on delivering measurable outcomes under the ARISE Agenda. He stated that recent developments reflect what he called deliberate and structured governance aimed at long term transformation.
According to the government, the past month has seen intensified construction activity across the State. Work is progressing rapidly at the ARISE Palm Resort, while road repairs have covered 83 sections within the Uyo metropolis. Aka Itiam Street is undergoing full reconstruction. The State has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the management of ARISE Palm Resort and Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. Plans are advancing for a five thousand capacity convention centre and a two hundred bed Ibom Hotel at the Tropicana Complex. In Ikot Ekpene, a franchise agreement has been secured for Four Points by Sheraton.
The administration also highlighted social intervention efforts within the review period. Governor Umo Eno presented a newly built three bedroom bungalow and seven self contained apartments to a family in Atabong, Eket, whose home was destroyed by fire. The Governor inspected the Airport Hospital and Dakadda Luxury Estate, approved the payment of two point three billion naira in gratuities to retired civil servants and continued engagements concerning the disputed seventy six oil wells. Meetings were also held with Ministries, Departments and Agencies to advance implementation of the Treasury Single Account policy.
Beyond the immediate review period, officials pointed to broader achievements since the administration took office. Agriculture remains central to government policy, with initiatives such as the Ibom Model Farm, ARISE Home Farms Scheme and Back to Farm Initiative aimed at increasing productivity and attracting young people into agribusiness. Government said its free food distribution programme now reaches more than five hundred thousand vulnerable households.
Infrastructure expansion remains one of the administration’s most visible commitments. The government reports that more than one thousand two hundred kilometres of roads have been constructed, alongside thirty two bridges either completed or under construction. Authorities argue that improved connectivity is reducing travel time and strengthening economic activity across communities. The introduction of a CNG Mass Transit Scheme is also intended to improve affordability and ease urban mobility.
On fiscal reforms, the government said implementation of the Treasury Single Account has strengthened revenue consolidation, reduced leakages and improved financial discipline. Digitisation across public institutions is ongoing, with reforms targeting procurement systems, recruitment processes and data management. Officials maintain that these measures are improving transparency and operational efficiency.
Workers’ welfare featured prominently in the briefing. Over eighty billion naira in pension and gratuity arrears has been paid, while the eighty thousand naira minimum wage is being implemented alongside consistent payment of a thirteenth month salary. The recruitment of three thousand workers and two thousand health personnel has been completed, and teachers have received a one point two billion naira wardrobe allowance.
In the health sector, thirty one Model Primary Healthcare Centres are operational across all Local Government Areas. Renovation of general hospitals and expansion of emergency services are underway, supported by an expanding State Health Insurance Scheme. Government officials said these interventions are improving access and restoring confidence in public healthcare delivery.
Education reforms include the establishment of thirty one Model Schools across the State and rehabilitation of one hundred and twenty one projects under the State Universal Basic Education Board. The free education policy remains in force, alongside bursary payments, coverage of examination fees and dedicated support for students with disabilities.
Security measures have also been strengthened. The Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways has been established, while a four thousand five hundred member Ibom Community Watch has been deployed. Patrol vehicles, gunboats and a centralised Security Command Centre have been introduced to enhance surveillance and response.
Youth empowerment programmes continue under various schemes, including a fifty thousand naira unemployment benefit and monthly business grants for five hundred youths. Government said seven hundred and fifty million naira has been released to one thousand five hundred young entrepreneurs, while more than ten thousand youths and small businesses have received training support. Under the Compassionate Homes initiative, three hundred and thirty five housing units have been completed and handed over to vulnerable residents.
Strategic investments outside the State were also highlighted. These include the eighteen storey Ibom Tower in Lagos, proposed Ibom Hotels in Abuja and expansion of aviation assets, alongside improvements to airport facilities and development of an Aviation Village. Officials say these projects are designed to position Akwa Ibom as a competitive destination for tourism and investment.
Government maintains that all initiatives fall within the framework of eighty five priority projects under the ARISE Agenda. It argues that the cumulative impact of these programmes is reflected in improved service delivery, stronger revenue management and renewed public confidence.
