Nigeria’s Minister of State for Gas, Ekerikpe Ekpo, has praised the Akwa Ibom State Government’s Arise Agenda, as an example of transparency and accountability in governance.
Speaking at the public presentation of the Arise Agenda Two-Year Scorecard in Uyo, Ekpo said, Governor Umo Eno’s plethora of projects delivered across multiple sectors in just two years into office, demonstrates a governance style committed to results and public accountability.
“It is commendable that two years into office, Your Excellency has deemed it necessary to give a proper account of your stewardship. This is the kind of openness that builds trust between government and the people.”
He commended the administration’s swift settlement of a significant portion of inherited pension and gratuity arrears, as “a bold fiscal move that sends a clear message of responsibility and stability to both citizens and investors.
“Within this short period, you have paid a substantial portion of pension and gratuity arrears owed to retirees. That is a bold step in meeting commitments that had been outstanding for years,” he applauded.
The Minister further described the projects and programmes detailed in the scorecard, as proof of purposeful leadership.
“The Arise Agenda, as you have outlined, is not just a document but a working plan already delivering results for Akwa Ibom people.”
According to Ekpo, “when a government manages its finances prudently and meets its obligations to its people, it builds the confidence required for long-term investments, including in strategic sectors like gas.”
The minister also praised the Governor’s exemplary leadership noting that the outlined projects and programmes data provide a strong foundation for sustainable development, demonstrates purposeful leadership and a commitment to meeting the needs of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
“This mid-term review shows that when leadership is focused and transparent, it sets a positive example for other states to follow.”
He asserted that the Arise Agenda performance record reflects genuine accountability to the people and strengthens the investment climate for oil and gas operations in the state, particularly in downstream and midstream projects.
Ekpo reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government to harness its gas potential in line with the federal government’s energy transition plan, adding that the state’s stable governance environment is “an asset to the sector and to Nigeria as a whole.”
“This mid-term review shows that when leadership is focused and transparent, it sets a positive example for other states to follow,” he concluded.
Hauwa Abu