UYO — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed that his administration has saved more than ₦200 billion through prudent project cost management and strict adherence to due process, describing transparency, accountability and value for money as the hallmarks of his government’s development agenda.
Governor Eno made the disclosure on Thursday during the opening session of the July State Projects Delivery Meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo. The forum brought together government officials, political leaders, members of the National Assembly, civil society organisations, journalists and other stakeholders to review the progress of ongoing projects across the state.
According to the Governor, the monthly delivery meeting was introduced to provide citizens with firsthand information on government projects and ensure that public funds are managed transparently. He explained that the state’s in-house quantity surveying system has enabled government to realise savings exceeding ₦200 billion, with the funds redirected to other priority development programmes.
He urged residents to disregard misinformation surrounding government projects, noting that the media, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society organisations and other stakeholders were invited to independently verify project execution and obtain accurate information directly from government.
Highlighting major milestones of the administration, Governor Eno pointed to 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 upgrades within the state’s aviation sector, rehabilitation of Oron maritime infrastructure and sustained efforts towards the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
On infrastructure development, the Governor disclosed that his administration is currently executing 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the state. He added that cumulative payments on road projects, including inherited contracts, stood at ₦743.315 billion as of May 29, 2023.
Governor Eno also 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 further revealed that the state secured an additional three million dollars under the Nigeria for Women Project to support rural women.
Other key initiatives highlighted at the meeting included the ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme, reforms aimed at establishing Akwa Ibom’s electricity market and preparations for the presidential commissioning of landmark projects later this year. The projects include major road infrastructure, the ARISE Palm Resort, 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 presentation at the meeting was delivered by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Arit Uya, who outlined the roadmap for developing a functional state electricity market. Governor Eno expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, strengthened institutions and private sector participation would deliver stable electricity across Akwa Ibom within the next 18 months.
Participants also received updates on several strategic projects, including the Oron Maritime Project, Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels, Ewet Luxury Estate, Youth Development Centres across the 31 local government areas, model schools, primary healthcare centres, the Itam Industrial Park, the Court of Appeal Complex, AKICORP Headquarters, Ibom Hotels and Apartments in Abuja and Ibom Towers in Lagos.
Inspecting one of the first 20 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses delivered under the state’s mass transit programme, Governor Eno expressed concern over the theft of corrugated iron perimeter fencing at project sites. He directed security agencies, local government chairmen, village heads and youth leaders to work together to protect public assets, warning that traditional rulers who fail to safeguard government property within their communities risk losing their certificates of recognition.
The CNG buses, which form part of a fleet of 50 procured by the administration, were widely commended by stakeholders as a major investment in safe, affordable and environmentally friendly public transportation.
The meeting was attended by 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 Adviser, Aniefiok Johnson; APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo; PDP State Chairman, Hon. Elder Aniekan Akpan; members of the State Executive Council, delivery advisers and other stakeholders.
Also present were members of the National Assembly, women and youth leaders, former Deputy Governor Obong Nsima Ekere, Senator Effiong Bob and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, who commended the administration’s fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources while urging the Governor to sustain the pace of development.
In his closing remarks, Governor Eno thanked participants for their contributions and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fully implementing the ARISE Agenda, stressing that governance remains a collective responsibility aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The July State Projects Delivery Meeting continues today, July 3, 2026, with further presentations and inspections of ongoing projects across the state.
By Chief Edet Isong