18th February, 2026
1. The Government of Akwa Ibom State has taken note of a recent report by Premium Times which attributed revenue figures to the State and proceeded to draw sensational comparisons between different fiscal periods without adjusting for value erosion, exchange rate realities, inflationary pressures, or corresponding development outcomes.
2. The headline may have been crafted for drama; governance, however, is not evaluated through nominal arithmetic stripped of economic context. It must be assessed through real value analysis, purchasing power considerations, fiscal discipline, institutional strengthening, and tangible, verifiable outcomes.
3. To compare revenue figures from 2015–2020 with those of 2023–2026 without adjusting for currency depreciation and prevailing market prices of goods and services is fundamentally misleading. Within this period, the Naira depreciated from under ₦300 to the dollar to over ₦1,600, significantly eroding purchasing power despite nominal increases in revenue figures.
4. When nominal numbers are presented without adjusting for inflation, exchange rate depreciation, and the sharp rise in the cost of construction inputs, energy, imported components, and logistics, the result is a sensational headline — not serious economic analysis.
5. We are therefore compelled to state that such value-blind comparisons suggest mischief. As the political season gradually unfolds, certain interests may attempt to distort facts and paint this administration in undeserved colours. We will not be distracted.
6. Let it be stated clearly: this Government will never be drawn into unnecessary comparisons with previous administrations. Every administration did its best within the realities of its time. Each operates with its own vision, blueprint, priorities, and prevailing economic conditions. Comparisons designed to mislead the public do not reflect the true state of governance in Akwa Ibom State.
7. For the avoidance of doubt, the Government has publicly published the State’s financial accounts for 2023 and 2024, underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability. A comprehensive list of ongoing and completed projects is available for public scrutiny.
8. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, and in strict implementation of the ARISE Agenda, apart from model schools and health centres in all 31 local government areas that have been commissioned at various times, there are 85 other mega priority projects currently ongoing in the State. These include audacious investments in tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, security, aviation, maritime development, housing, commerce, education, and institutional infrastructure. The ARISE Palm Resort has transformed 73 hectares of gully erosion landscape into a world-class Business and Leisure Park. The 350-bed Ibom International Hospital is progressing alongside 31 Model Primary Healthcare Centres and the Ibom Medical Corridor. Governance and security infrastructure include the Command and Control Centre; Judiciary Village; Governor’s Office Annex; rehabilitation of the House of Assembly Complex; Court of Appeal Complex; AKWAGIS Office Complex; AKBC House; and the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways Complex.
9. Additional flagship priority projects include: Aviation Village; Equipment Leasing Company; the 18-storey Ibom Tower; Ewet Luxury Gardens and its internal roads; refurbishment of Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort; CNG Mass Transit Scheme; Ibom International Convention Centre; Ibom Hotels (Uyo and Abuja); ARISE Shopping City; Executive and Legislative Quarters; Model Secondary School; International Market; ARISE Sports Academy; Police CTU; General Hospital, Nsit Ubium; Correctional Centre; AKSU Teaching Hospital; Itam Industrial Park; Presidential Lodge; NYSC Orientation Camp; solar-powered lighting across police stations; reclamation and erosion control projects; modern trailer park; One Project Per LGA (Phase 2); extensive internal road networks; as well as eleven critical aviation ecosystem projects, including the International Terminal Building, taxiway and apron expansion, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aviation security upgrades, and supporting infrastructure. Maritime investments include turnkey jetty construction, ferry terminals, shoreline protection infrastructure, cold-room and warehouse facilities, and passenger ferry boats.
10. Beyond the 85 Priority Projects, over 1,200 kilometres of roads have been completed or are ongoing across the 31 Local Government Areas. Strategic bridges have been delivered, and erosion control works are protecting communities. In addition, over 200 kilometres of rural access roads are being delivered under the AKS-RAAMP programme. Sixty Nigeria for Women Projects, implemented with State counterpart funding, are empowering women-led economic clusters across the State.
11. In agriculture and food security, the Ibom Model Farms fast developing and will drive mechanized farming, agro-processing, and structured participation in commercial agriculture, thereby strengthening food security and agro- tourism.
12. Simultaneously, this administration inherited a gratuity and other emoluments backlog of over ₦111 billion dating back to 2012 and has, to date, paid over ₦80 billion. The new minimum wage of ₦80,000, with consequential adjustments, has significantly increased the State’s wage bill, yet salaries remain consistent and gratuity obligations are being steadily addressed. Contractor obligations are met through due payment certificates, while projects initiated by previous administrations are being completed.
13. Beyond infrastructure, compassion has been institutionalized in governance. Under the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, 335 homes have already been constructed out of the 500 planned for the homeless and most vulnerable citizens. Through the Free Food Distribution Programme, over 600,000 households have received staple food support. Additionally, over ₦20 billion has been invested in citizen empowerment initiatives. The people of Akwa Ibom can see the results — workers are paid, retirees are receiving long-awaited gratuities, vulnerable citizens are being housed, families are supported, infrastructure is expanding, and governance is working.
14. These are measurable projects and verifiable outcomes — not speculative or politically motivated conjecture. Arithmetic without economic context may generate headlines; it cannot generate reality.
15. The administration of Governor Umo Eno remains focused on delivering people-oriented projects, strengthening institutions, deepening transparency, and ensuring that governance serves the best interests of all Akwa Ibom people. We remain steadfast and resolute in building a prosperous, inclusive, and accountable Akwa Ibom State.
Signed
Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information