Akwa Ibom Spends Over N208bn on Projects in 17 Months – Commissioner
The Akwa Ibom State Government has revealed that it has invested more than N208.16bn in infrastructure projects since Governor Umo Eno took office on May 29, 2023.
During a press briefing in Uyo on Sunday, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, disclosed the expenditure, accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Ikim.
Ibanga explained that N47.93bn was allocated to 36 projects inherited from the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC), with an additional N4.04bn spent on emergency interventions inherited from the previous administration. Altogether, N51.96bn was expended on these inherited projects.
Moreover, N151.96bn was directed toward 61 new projects under Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, an initiative aimed at advancing key developments in the state.
“Governor Umo Eno has injected N47.93bn into 36 inherited FGPC projects, alongside N4.04bn for 51 emergency intervention projects, bringing the total expenditure on inherited projects to N51.96bn,” Ibanga stated.
He further outlined that under the ARISE Agenda, 61 projects were launched, with several already completed and commissioned, while others are ongoing.
A total of N156.20bn has been spent on the ARISE Agenda, with N151.66bn financing 50 FGPC ARISE projects, and N4.54bn supporting 11 emergency intervention projects, Ibanga noted.
As of October 18, 2024, the cumulative sum spent on both inherited and new projects amounted to N208.16bn.
Among the completed projects under the ARISE initiative are the Akpan Andem Market, the Amphitheatre at Christmas Village Arena, the Atiku Abubakar underground tunnel, and the Goretti Secondary School road.
Ibanga also provided an update on the Tabernacle Road project, noting that significant excavation progress has been made, though work has slowed due to heavy rainfall.
Commissioner Ini Ememobong, while opening the briefing, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and Governor Eno’s directive to keep the public informed on government activities.