Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved and released ₦123.5 billion to contractors handling road projects across the state, the government announced on Friday.
The funds cover mobilisation fees, right-of-way compensation, and outstanding Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) for both newly approved and ongoing projects.
Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this in a press release in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
He said the State Executive Council had earlier approved the new road projects alongside the continuation of existing ones.
According to Umanah, the projects span over 167 kilometres and include the Ikwe–Odio Road, the six-lane dualisation of Nnung Udoe–Afaha Offiong–Afaha Nsit with a rotary intersection, and the dualisation of Afaha Offiong–Ikot Imoh–Itreto.
He added that the reconstruction of the Ikot Akpaden–Okorete–Iko Road.
It features two mini bridges in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas, also received funding.
The statement, which was sighted by our reporter, broke down the figure, stating that the Governor allocated ₦69 billion to newly awarded projects.
He released another ₦54.5 billion to settle outstanding IPCs and additional works on existing projects.
Umanah explained that the payment aims to encourage contractors to take full advantage of the construction season.
“Contractors can now deploy all necessary resources to ensure timely completion within the agreed timeframe,” he said.
He noted that the release further underscores Governor Eno’s commitment to delivering the infrastructure expansion mantra of the ARISE Agenda.
Mkpat Enin People rejoice over road
In a related development, residents have described the 10.83km Mkpat Enin–Ikot Akpe–Ikot Afang–Ikot Umiang–Mbioto–Efa road project as a “rebirth” of connectivity and economic life.
Specifically, the road includes a spur to Ikot Enyienge and a 30-metre bridge. Consequently, stakeholders see it as a strategic intervention.
The Governor’s documentation team, led by Dr. Essien Ndueso, received these commendations during an inspection tour of the project.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Aniedi Brown Ekanem, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno.
“I sincerely thank the Governor, who is also an in-law to Mkpat Enin, for this laudable project. Indeed, our people faced severe challenges before now,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Isaac John, a staff of Eighteenth Engineering Company International Limited, provided technical insights.
He explained that the road features an 8-metre-wide carriageway, a 30-metre bridge, and a comprehensive drainage system designed to ensure longevity.
Similarly, the PDP Chairman in Mkpat Enin, Hon. Comrade Isaiah Lawrence, praised the Governor’s performance and insisted that good governance transcends politics.
“I commend the Governor for delivering true dividends of democracy. What we witness here is impactful governance. Therefore, progress must not be politicised,” he stated.
Finally, a resident, Obongawan Uduak Iwok Willie, described the project as life-changing. “Today, I can easily access my farm and the market,” she said.
