Akwa Ibom Recoups N200bn Surplus From Projects’ Costs

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has disclosed that his administration has saved about N200 billion through prudent fiscal management in contract awards since the inauguration of the State Projects Delivery Committee.

The governor disclosed this while presiding over the July session of the meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the state capital, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, timely project delivery, and sustainable development.

He explained that the meeting was convened to provide the public with firsthand information on how government resources are being deployed for the benefit of the people, reiterating his administration’s commitment to accountability through strict adherence to due process, transparency, and prudent financial management of resources.

He noted that the state’s in-house quantity surveying mechanism has saved over N200 billion, adding that the surplus, he said, “has been redirected to critical development priorities.”

The governor, therefore, cautioned against the deliberate spread of falsehoods about government projects, noting that the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, representatives of civil society organisations, the media, and other stakeholders were invited to independently witness the open and transparent project review process and receive updates directly from the government.

Highlighting major milestones across critical 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, rehabilitation of the Oron maritime infrastructure, efforts to actualise the Ibom Deep Seaport, and other key development initiatives.

A general review of road infrastructure, LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered, showed that the administration has executed a total of 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the state.

The meeting was informed that, as of 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.

Besides, the governor disclosed that the state has secured an additional $3 billion under the Nigeria for Women Project to support rural women, adding that the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative and other ongoing reforms were designed to enable the state to reposition itself in all sectors, especially electricity, which he hoped would guarantee state ownership of the electricity market.

A highlight of the meeting was the power sector briefing by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Ms. Arit Uya, who presented the roadmap for the development of a functional state electricity market.

The governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring stable and reliable electricity supply to the people of Akwa Ibom State within 18 months through ongoing reforms, institutional strengthening, and private sector participation.