Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has said prudent financial management and cost-control measures adopted by his administration have saved the state more than ₦200 billion, with the funds redirected to critical development projects.
Governor Eno disclosed this at the July State Projects Delivery Meeting in Uyo, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable development.
He said the forum was designed to provide citizens and stakeholders with direct insight into how government resources are being utilised for the benefit of the people.
“Our administration remains accountable to the people through strict adherence to due process, transparency and prudent financial management,” the governor stated.
He attributed the savings to the state’s in-house quantity surveying mechanism.
“The state’s in-house quantity surveying mechanism has saved over ₦200 billion, resources which have been redirected to critical development priorities,” he explained.
Governor Eno also cautioned against misinformation surrounding government projects, noting that journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders had been invited to independently assess ongoing projects.
The meeting reviewed progress across key sectors, including the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, road infrastructure, aviation, maritime development, housing, education, healthcare and electricity reforms.
Officials disclosed that the administration was executing 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges, while total payments on road projects, including inherited projects, stood at ₦743.315 billion as of May 29, 2023.
The governor announced that Akwa Ibom had received a six million-dollar reward under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme for excellence in transparency, budget management and good governance, alongside an additional three million dollars under the Nigeria for Women Project to support rural women.
On power reforms, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s target of delivering stable electricity across the state.
“Our administration is committed 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,” he assured.
Following a review of aviation projects, the governor expressed concern over persistent theft of perimeter fencing materials and directed relevant officials to work with traditional rulers and community leaders to safeguard public assets.
“Village heads within the airport vicinity who fail to curb the theft of fencing materials in their domains risk the withdrawal of their certificates of recognition,” he warned.
The meeting also featured the inspection of one of 20 newly delivered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, part of a 50-bus fleet procured for the state’s planned mass transit system.
Governor Eno thanked participants for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the ARISE Agenda for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
