TRANSPARENCY, FINANCIAL PRUDENCE SAVED AKWA IBOM OVER ₦200BN – GOV ENO

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has disclosed that his administration has saved more than ₦200 billion through strict adherence to due process, transparency and prudent financial management.

Eno disclosed during the State Projects Delivery Meeting with stakeholders at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, noting that the savings were identified through the state’s in-house quantity surveying mechanism.

He said the recovered funds had been redirected to critical development priorities, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, timely project delivery and sustainable development.

According to the governor, the meeting was convened to give stakeholders and members of the public firsthand information on how government resources are being deployed for the benefit of the people.

He reiterated that his administration remains committed to accountability through strict adherence to due process, transparency and prudent financial management.

Eno also cautioned against the deliberate spread of misinformation about government projects, stressing that stakeholders were invited to independently observe the transparent project review process and receive updates directly from the government.

Highlighting key achievements across major sectors, the 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, the rehabilitation of Oron maritime infrastructure, efforts to actualise the Ibom Deep Seaport, and other strategic development projects.

On infrastructure, Eno said his administration is executing 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the state. He added that as of May 29, 2023, total payments on road projects, including inherited ones, stood at ₦743.315 billion, reflecting the government’s sustained investment in critical infrastructure.

The governor also announced that the state received a $6 million reward under the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme in recognition of its outstanding performance in transparency, budget management and good governance.

He added that Akwa Ibom secured an additional $3 million under the Nigeria for Women Project to support rural women.

Eno further highlighted the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative and ongoing reforms aimed at enabling the state to assume control of its electricity market.

He listed projects proposed for presidential commissioning later this year to include 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.

The governor thanked stakeholders for their continued support and contributions, reaffirming that governance is a collective responsibility and pledging his administration’s continued commitment to implementing the ARISE Agenda and improving the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom State.