By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Association of Ibom Contractors have appealed to the new Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, to solve the problem of non patronage of indigenous contractors by the ministry in the award of contract for construction of roads and other infrastructure in the state.
In a press statement signed by the National president and Secretary, Lawrence Bassey and Victor Mathew, respectively and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday, the association however identified their problems to include lack of confidence in their capacity and poor quality of jobs delivery among others.
The body made up of Akwa Ibom indigenes and non-indigenes resident in the state, commended the governor for choosing a man with impressive credentials to take charge of infrastructural renaissance of the state.
It would be recalled that, Ibanga is the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom state University, where he put in place lots of infrastructure for the benefit of the students and the university community.
“With Professor Ibanga’s pedigree as a top-notch academician widely acclaimed for his integrity, we are impressed by his appointment and have learnt valuable lessons from him in his acceptance to work as the chief servant to the people of Akwa Ibom state in the Works ministry.
“We draw the attention of the commissioner to the numerous problems confronting indigenous and Akwa Ibom-based businesses and companies in the state’s construction sector. These challenges we believe will be surmounted during his watch.
“The challenges include, low and most times, non-existent patronage of Akwa Ibom based companies and businesses by foreign and out-of-state construction firms operating in the state, non-compliance with Local Content Laws, directives and advisories by multinational companies, capital flight, poor quality of jobs delivery among others.
“As the state’s sole interest group operating in Nigeria’s construction industry, the Association of Ibom Contractors assured the new Works Commissioner of their full cooperation, support and collaboration in ensuring that he achieves his goals and objectives in the task of building the Akwa Ibom state of everybody’s dreams.” The statement said.
