Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable development, stating that Akwa Ibom State has saved more than ₦200 billion through prudent project cost management and strict adherence to due process.
The Governor made this known on Thursday during the first day of the July State Projects Delivery Meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where government officials, political leaders, civil society organisations, journalists and other stakeholders reviewed the progress of ongoing projects across the state.
Governor Eno said the monthly delivery meeting was designed to provide residents with direct information on how public funds are being utilised. He explained that the state’s in house quantity surveying system has enabled government to save over ₦200 billion on project costs, with the savings redirected to other critical development programmes.
He cautioned against the spread of misinformation regarding government projects, stressing that representatives of the media, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders were invited to independently assess ongoing projects and obtain accurate information directly from government.
The Governor highlighted several achievements recorded by the administration, including the unveiling of the 350 bed Ibom International Hospital, the commencement of twice weekly Ibom Air flights to Accra, Ghana, the expected arrival of a new Airbus A220 300 aircraft, ongoing upgrades at the aviation ecosystem, rehabilitation of Oron maritime infrastructure and sustained efforts towards the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
On road infrastructure, the meeting was informed that the administration is currently executing 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across Akwa Ibom State. Government also disclosed that cumulative payments on road projects, including inherited contracts, had reached ₦743.315 billion as of May 29, 2023.
Governor Eno further announced that Akwa Ibom recently received a six million dollar performance grant under the World Bank assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, SABER, Programme in recognition of the state’s achievements in transparency, budget management and good governance. He also revealed that the state secured an additional three million dollars under the Nigeria for Women Project to support rural women. Other initiatives highlighted included the ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme and ongoing reforms aimed at enabling Akwa Ibom to operate its own electricity market.
The meeting also reviewed projects proposed for presidential commissioning later this year, including major road projects, the ARISE Palm Resort, the Ibom International Hospital, the new terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport, the Aviation Village, the Command and Control Centre and the Governor’s Office Annex.
A major highlight of the session was a presentation by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Arit Uya, who outlined the roadmap for establishing a functional state electricity market. Governor Eno expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, stronger institutions and private sector participation would deliver stable electricity supply across the state within the next 18 months.
Stakeholders also received progress reports on the Oron Maritime Project, Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels, Ewet Luxury Estate, Youth Development Centres across the 31 local government areas, model schools and primary healthcare centres. Updates were equally presented on power sector reforms, the Itam Industrial Park, the Court of Appeal Complex, airport projects, the AKICORP Headquarters, Ibom Hotels and Apartments in Abuja and Ibom Towers in Lagos.
After reviewing 10 aviation related projects, the Governor expressed concern over the persistent theft of corrugated iron perimeter fencing at project sites. He directed the Special Adviser on Aviation, the Commissioner for Internal Security, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Local Government Chairmen to work with village heads and youth leaders to protect public assets. He warned that village heads who fail to prevent the theft of government property within their communities risk losing their certificates of recognition.
The Governor also led participants to inspect one of the first 20 compressed natural gas, CNG, buses delivered under the state’s mass transit programme. The buses are part of a fleet of 50 procured by the administration. Stakeholders commended the quality of the vehicles and described the initiative as a major step towards providing safe, affordable and efficient public transportation.
The meeting attracted top government officials, including the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Aniefiok Johnson, APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, PDP State Chairman, Hon. Elder Aniekan Akpan, members of the State Executive Council, delivery advisors and other stakeholders.
Participants, including members of the National Assembly, representatives of women and youth groups, former Deputy Governor Obong Nsima Ekere, Senator Effiong Bob and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, praised the administration’s financial discipline and prudent management of public resources. They urged the Governor to sustain the pace of development across the state.
In his closing remarks, Governor Eno thanked participants for their continued support and contributions, describing governance as a collective responsibility. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to fully implement the ARISE Agenda and improve the welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The July State Projects Delivery Meeting continues on Friday, July 3, 2026.
