✍️ 𝗕𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗮𝘄 𝗡𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗚
Governor Umo Eno has revealed that prudent financial management, improved statutory allocations and careful planning of government resources have enabled Akwa Ibom State to execute major development projects while steadily reducing its debt burden without resorting to fresh borrowing.
The Governor made the disclosure when members of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who were in the state for a comprehensive data verification exercise, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.
The State Chief Executive said the improved fiscal environment created by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has significantly enhanced the flow of funds to sub-national governments, giving states greater capacity to undertake critical projects and meet key financial obligations.
According to him, Akwa Ibom has taken advantage of the opportunity by applying available resources prudently and responsibly, a development that has enabled his administration to sustain projects across sectors while simultaneously paying down inherited financial obligations.
The Governor noted that rather than accumulate new debts, his administration has remained focused on maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring that available funds are directed towards programmes and projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
He explained that government has remained faithful to the development blueprint as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda, stressing that the administration carefully aligns its expenditure with clearly defined priorities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, rural development, tourism, agriculture and social welfare.
Pastor Umo Eno also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for policies that have strengthened the financial capacity of states and local government councils, noting that the improved revenue profile has enabled governments at different levels to respond more effectively to the needs of their people.
The State Chief Executive assured the visiting delegation of the support and cooperation of the state government throughout the verification exercise, describing the assignment as important to ensuring fairness, credibility and accuracy in the nation’s revenue allocation process.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Prof. Olusegun Adekunle Wright, said the commission was in Akwa Ibom as part of its South-South zonal data verification exercise aimed at ensuring that revenue allocation statistics remain current, accurate and reflective of existing realities across the federation.
Prof. Wright specifically commended Akwa Ibom for what he described as prudent resource management, purposeful leadership and sustained investment in critical sectors of the economy, noting that the state’s development strides continue to stand out as evidence of what can be achieved through responsible governance and a clear commitment to the welfare of the people.
