Akwa Ibom Saved Over ₦200bn Through Prudent Project Management, Says Governor Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has said his administration has saved more than ₦200 billion through what he described as prudent project management, strict adherence to due process and strengthened cost-control mechanisms in the execution of government projects.

Governor Eno disclosed this on Friday during the July State Projects Delivery Meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, where he restated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and timely delivery of infrastructure projects across the state.

According to him, the savings achieved from improved monitoring and procurement discipline have been redirected into other critical development projects, helping to expand the state’s infrastructure footprint without unnecessary waste.

He explained that the monthly project delivery meeting was introduced as a transparency mechanism to allow citizens, civil society organisations and the media to better understand how public funds are being utilised and how projects are progressing across sectors.

The governor noted that the introduction of an in-house quantity surveying framework has played a key role in reducing inflated project costs while ensuring that contractors deliver value for money on government-funded projects.

Governor Eno used the session to highlight several flagship projects currently underway in the state, including the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, ongoing upgrades at Victor Attah International Airport, and aviation expansion projects linked to Ibom Air operations, including the Uyo–Accra route.

He also referenced continued work on the Ibom Deep Seaport project, rehabilitation of maritime infrastructure in Oron and the development of what he described as strategic economic and tourism assets such as the ARISE Palm Resort and the proposed Aviation Village.

On road infrastructure, the governor said the administration is currently executing 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across different parts of the state, describing it as one of the largest infrastructure programmes in Akwa Ibom’s recent history.

He added that several of the ongoing projects are expected to be completed and commissioned before the end of the year, depending on execution timelines and contractor performance.

Governor Eno also disclosed that his administration is working toward delivering stable electricity supply within the next 18 months through a combination of institutional reforms and private sector participation in the power sector.

He said a reform roadmap has been developed to improve generation, distribution, and reliability of electricity supply across the state.

On infrastructure protection, the governor directed security agencies, local government chairmen, and community leaders to intensify efforts to safeguard public assets.

He warned that traditional rulers who fail to curb theft or vandalism of government property, particularly around airport project sites could face sanctions, including withdrawal of their certificates of recognition.

Governor Eno reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline, transparency, and development-focused governance, insisting that every kobo saved must translate into visible impact for citizens.