Okon Bassey in Uyo
Through strict adherence to due process, transparency and prudent financial management, the Akwa Ibom State Government has saved over N200 billion, Governor Umo Eno has said.
Eno disclosed this during the state Projects Delivery Meeting with stakeholders held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, stating the money was discovered by the state’s in-house quantity surveying mechanism.
The governor said the money has been redirected to critical development priorities, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, timely project delivery and sustainable development.
Eno told stakeholders the meeting was convened to provide the public with firsthand information on how government resources are being deployed for the benefit of the people.
He reiterated his administration remains accountable to the people through strict adherence to due process, transparency and prudent financial management.
Governor Eno cautioned against the deliberate spread of falsehoods about government projects, stressing that stakeholders were invited to independently witness the open and transparent project review process and receive updates directly from government.
Highlighting major milestones across critical sectors, the G
governor cited the unveiling of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, the commencement of twice-weekly Ibom Air flights to Accra, Ghana, the expected delivery of a new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, ongoing aviation infrastructure upgrades, rehabilitation of the Oron Maritime infrastructure, efforts to actualise the Ibom Deep Seaport, and other key development initiatives.
On road infrastructure, he said the administration is executing a total of 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the state; saying as at May 29, 2023, total payments on road projects, including inherited projects, stood at ₦743.315 billion, underscoring the administration’s sustained investment in critical infrastructure development.
Governor Eno also announced the state has received a six-million-dollar reward under the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme for its outstanding performance in transparency, budget management and good governance.
He added the state also secured an additional three million dollars under the Nigeria for Women Project to support rural women.
The governor further highlighted the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative and ongoing reforms designed to enable the state to take ownership of its electricity market.
Eno listed projects proposed for presidential commissioning later in the year to include major road projects, the ARISE Palm Resort, the Ibom International Hospital, the formal opening of the new terminal building at the Victor Attah International Airport, the Aviation Village, the Command-and-Control Centre, and the Governor’s Office Annex.
The governor thanked stakeholders for their participation, continued support and valuable contributions, reaffirming that governance is a collective responsibility and re-emphasizing his administration’s commitment to delivering the ARISE Agenda and improving the lives of all Akwa Ibom people.
