By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced an investment of over N208.16 billion in roads and infrastructure development since Governor Umo Eno took office.
Prof. Eno Ibanga, the State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, made this disclosure while briefing journalists in Uyo yesterday. He was joined by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, and Prince Ikim, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency.
Ibanga stated that of the total amount, N47.93 billion was allocated to 36 projects inherited from the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC). An additional N4.04 billion was spent on 51 emergency intervention projects inherited from the previous administration.
He further elaborated that N151.96 billion had been invested in 61 projects under the ARISE Agenda, the current administration’s initiative.
“Governor Umo Eno has injected N47.93 billion into 36 of the inherited FGPC projects and N4.04 billion on 51 emergency intervention projects. A total of N156.20 billion has been spent on the ARISE Agenda Projects,” he said.
Ibanga listed completed projects under the ARISE Agenda, including the Akpan Andem Market project, the Amphitheatre Christmas Village Arena, the Atiku Abubakar underground tunnel, and the Goretti Secondary School road, among others.
Regarding road infrastructure, he provided an update on the Tabernacle road project, noting that much of the work required significant excavation. He explained that, based on advice from certified civil engineers, excavation would reach depths of at least 11 meters. However, he lamented that progress had been hindered by persistent rainfall in the state.
Commissioner Ini Ememobong emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency and information dissemination, stating, “The present administration places a high premium on information, which is why the governor has directed his media managers to ensure journalists have access to information at all times.”
