By: Solomon Essiet, ACIA
As the dry season approaches, Governor Umo Bassey Eno has reinforced his commitment to ending the era of abandoned projects in Akwa Ibom State by releasing ₦60 billion in October 2025 to contractors with verified Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs). The Governor has made it clear that contracts must be completed strictly within their original scope and budget — and that his administration will not entertain contract variations.
In the past two years, Governor Eno has had to contend with several dormant and abandoned projects across the State, particularly in roads and public infrastructure. Many of these projects became stalled due to contractors mismanaging mobilization funds or requesting variations after exhausting initial allocations — a pattern that burdens the State with additional costs and delays.
One does not need to be a civil engineer to understand the economics: when a project is abandoned, the cost of completion rises due to inflation, deterioration, and time value of money. A dollar today will not be the same dollar tomorrow — and Governor Eno has refused to allow Akwa Ibom resources to be wasted under such avoidable circumstances.
To address this, the Governor has introduced stronger monitoring and accountability structures. These include the appointment of Project Delivery Advisors who oversee specific projects and provide real-time, on-site reports. Additionally, the establishment of the Project Delivery Advisory Committee, chaired by the Governor himself, ensures monthly performance reviews with contractors and monitors progress at each project location.
In a historic move, Governor Eno also appointed an Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, the first of its kind in Akwa Ibom, to streamline oversight and ensure timely execution across the State. These measures reflect the Governor’s leadership style — strategic, hands-on, and focused on results rather than rhetoric.
Contractors who complete their projects to specification and on schedule continue to earn the Governor’s trust and commendation. It is not because they offer financial favors, but because they demonstrate integrity, discipline, and commitment to the people whose lives these projects are meant to improve. As Governor Eno often remarks: “If you collected mobilization under the rain, you can complete the job under the rain.”
Today, due to this diligence and accountability mindset, the State has recorded over 800km of completed road networks, alongside progress across other pillars of the ARISE Agenda — touching rural development, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
Governor Umo Eno remains a leader with vision, a finisher who understands the business of governance and the responsibility of stewardship. As Akwa Ibom continues to experience visible progress, it is important for all sons and daughters of the State to stand together in support of the Governor’s mission to sustain development beyond 2027.
Arise, that same God.
Solomon is a Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
