Gov Eno Inaugurates Taskforce To Tackle Illegal Miners In Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State government has expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal mining activities mostly carried out by foreigners, especially Chinese construction workers in collaboration with the local agents.

In order to curb the unwholesome activities, Governor Umo Eno has inaugurated the State Committee on Combating Illegal Mining with a clear mandate to regulate and monitor mineral resource activities.

Governor Eno named the Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong as the Chairman of the state with the Commissioners for Finance, Transport, Internal Security; Justice, Police; the Honourary Special Adviser on Security, Chairman of ALGON; and the Chairmen of the coastal local government areas as members.

The resolution was reached at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting chaired by Governor Eno at the Exco Chamber of Government House, Uyo, on Tuesday.

Briefing Journalists at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed that the meeting also approved the award of 357 projects across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to qualified youths and companies who applied through the State procurement portal.

Umanah said, “After considering the status report on the Ibom International Hospital (IIH) project, a proposed 350-bed first-class medical facility, the Council ratified the project agreement, award of contract and the formal handover of the site to the contractors.

“The Council received presentations from various ministries, notably the ministry of works, and reviewed the 771km of road projects spread across the 31 LGAs.

“The commissioner for works, in collaboration with the commissioner for budget and economic planning, was directed to align the road project needs identified during the federal constituency Town Square Meetings with available budgetary envelopes in the 2026 People’s Budget, to ensure coverage across the State.

“In a determined effort to consolidate the State’s power sector development drive, the Council reviewed the roadmap for implementing a sustainable energy programme and approved the hosting of a Power Summit to anchor and accelerate the delivery of reliable and affordable electricity in the State.

“As part of the State’s Tourism Development and Destination (TDD), Akwa Ibom marketing plan, Council reviewed a presentation by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI).

“Consequently, the Governor- in -Council inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Delivery Committee to drive the forthcoming Tourism Summit and harness opportunities for the State tourism development Committee chaired by the governor, with membership comprising the commissioners for tourism; information; local government and chieftaincy affairs and justice.

“Other members include the Chairman of ALGON; the Honourary Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism/Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, the Managing Director of AKICORP; and the Delivery Advisor on Tourism.

“In preparation for the forthcoming Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, Council approved the purchase of equipment for 30 different sports. The festival, which is part of the youth development thrust of the ARISE Agenda, is designed to promote sports and talent development across the State.”

Also, the commissioner stressed that following a progress report on the Oron Maritime Terminal, including associated jetties, ferries procurement and supporting infrastructure, Council directed an acceleration of works to ensure the resumption of full maritime transport services and the development of the blue economy corridor.

The State Executive Council also received a briefing on the factory inspection of the CNG City Buses being manufactured in Turkey with approval for an increase in the ordered fleet from 20 to 50 buses to ensure adequate coverage of all 31 LGAs on a rotational basis.

Council further noted the commencement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and urged members and stakeholders to mobilise citizens to actively participate in the important civic duty.