Akwa Ibom At 39: Eno Administration’s Scorecard Dominates Ministerial Briefing

As Akwa Ibom turned 39 since it creation on September 23, 1987, the scorecard of the administration under Governor Umo Eno, in the last three years in key sectors of the economy, LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt, dominated the ongoing Ministerial Briefing by cabinet members.

The Commissioners for Agriculture and Food Sufficientcy, Dr. Offiong Offor, and Hon. Nsikak Ekong, while giving accounts of their Ministries’ performance under the administration at Government House, Uyo, gave the administration a pass mark.

From subsidised tractors and ₦2 billion in farmer grants to 486 kilometres of rural feeder roads, flood control and waste management initiatives, the administration has recorded a wide range of interventions in agriculture and environment sectors since 2023 in line with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of the government.

Under the agricultural programme, Offor, disclosed that the procurement of an equipment leasing company and provision of tractors and other implements as a major government intervention to farmers at a 50 per cent subsidy on land preparation.

Offor said the scheme was designed to reduce dependence on traditional farming methods and make mechanised agriculture more accessible.

“The administration has also provided ₦2 billion in grants to farmers across crop and livestock value chains, with monitoring teams following up with beneficiaries to ensure the funds are used as intended,” she explained, adding that the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which has earmarked 486 kilometres of rural feeder roads across the 31 local government areas also complimented the administration’s agricultural intervention scheme.

Jointly funded by the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the federal government and the State government, the Commissioner stated that “the project is expected to improve farmers’ access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses and ease access to schools and healthcare facilities in rural communities.”

“Improved agricultural inputs, including cassava cuttings, maize and pumpkin seeds, have also been distributed to farmers, alongside support for cocoa growers,” she added.

Under the Tree Crop Revolution Programme, she noted that “more than 250,000 oil palm seedlings are targeted for distribution across the 31 local government areas, with 14 LGAs, having received seedlings so far and 1,700 farmers reached.

“More than 250,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to over 3,000 farmers in 2025, while more than 100,000 seedlings were distributed to over 850 cocoa farmers in 2026.

“A 50-hectare integrated model farm combining crop and livestock production with training, processing and agro-tourism facilities has also been developed. The facility includes fish ponds, piggery and poultry components, greenhouses, processing facilities and accommodation.

“Young people trained through the facility are being encouraged to establish smaller versions of the integrated farm, alongside the Back-to-Farm Initiative, Schools Agriculture Programme and reactivated Young Farmers Club.

“The Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) has also been revamped to strengthen extension services, while fishing cooperatives have received nets, trays and basins. Veterinary officers continue to conduct anti-rabies vaccination exercises across the State,” she added.

On crop yields, Offor cited the performance of the improved cassava variety UMUCASS 36, saying a farmer in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area recorded between 30 and 35 tonnes per hectare, disclosing that the result was recognised by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

On environmental and ecological issues, Ekong, said the State had responded to heavy flooding in Uyo with drainage desilting around Abak Road, Aka Road and Ikot Ekpene Road, as well as interventions in Shelter Extension and other affected areas.

According to him, some of the measures were temporary, while permanent solutions were being developed through a review and update of the Uyo Urban Drainage Master Plan.

According to Ekong, “the updated plan will take into account rapid urbanisation, climate-induced flooding and changes in water flow resulting from increased construction and paved surfaces.”

“The government has also approved the Clean Akwa Ibom Brigade, an environmental enforcement team expected to monitor flood-prone areas and strengthen compliance with environmental regulations.

“Erosion control interventions are ongoing at the Eneka Ravine, along the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road and at Ikot Ekpene Market, while reclamation work continues at the former Village site dump area, which is earmarked for redevelopment,” he stressed.

On waste management, Ekong said Akwa Ibom generates approximately 700,000 metric tonnes of solid waste annually, equivalent to about 2,000 tonnes daily.

Therefore, government, he said, was engaging consultants on converting waste into energy and other useful products, including recycling plastics and converting organic waste into fertiliser, while the Ministry of Environment and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEMA) monitors waste evacuation from dump sites.

“Tree-planting activities are also ongoing under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, with about 6,250 trees targeted across 10 hectares and a further 12,500 trees across 20 hectares of mixed species.

“The climate change component also includes a programme for the installation of more than 10,000 solar panels and streetlights across urban and rural areas. Solar power has also been incorporated into ARISE Compassionate Homes and model primary and secondary schools as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the commissioner said.