Governor Umo Eno has announced plans to inject 50 billion naira into ongoing public infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom State between now and December 2024 to expedite their completion.
However, as a condition, contractors must undertake not to embark on Christmas vacation this year, instead taking advantage of the dry season to complete their assignments.
The Governor made this declaration during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), Uyo, on Monday.
The Aviation Village, to be completed in two phases, will include housing estates for aviation workers in the first phase, while a primary school, shopping mall, and recreational facilities will be developed in the second phase.
Governor Eno said, “We are releasing 50 billion naira into the hands of contractors to ensure they don’t go on Christmas vacation. We will only pay contractors who sign undertakings to stay back and complete their projects.”
He promised to set up a project monitoring team to ensure contractors comply with his directives, emphasizing that with the State’s challenging weather most of the year, it was critical to maximize the dry season.
“We are injecting over 220 billion naira into road projects in next year’s budget, making Akwa Ibom a construction hub for major projects. By 2025, we aim to consolidate these efforts,” the Governor said.
Commending RAS Premium Construction Limited for its swift mobilization and site preparation, the Governor remarked, “This site was once a bush, but you have transformed it. Your dedication is evident, and I encourage you to remain on-site because you won the bid and have met our conditions.”
He also emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure to ensure Akwa Ibom retains its leadership in the sector.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to making Akwa Ibom the aviation hub of Nigeria,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of Ibom Air’s success as Nigeria’s preferred carrier, noting its role in positioning Akwa Ibom as a top destination. “Today, by God’s grace, Ibom Air boasts a fleet of nine aircraft,” he added.
Dr. Iniobong Essien, Chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company, commended the Governor’s aviation-friendly policies, describing the Aviation Village project as innovative and transformative for the sector.
Surveyor Iniobong Ekpeyong, Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and provide shelter for the people of Nsit Ntai, Uruan, and Okobo. He assured the Governor of the host communities’ collaboration to ensure timely project completion.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, announcing plans for a 13th-month salary and an 80,000-naira minimum wage once the ongoing workforce audit is concluded.
He explained that it was illogical to continue paying workers who had left for greener pastures abroad, hence the need for an immediate workforce authentication exercise.
“Once the verification exercise is completed, we will pay the 80,000 naira minimum wage we promised,” he said.
Regarding the recent dismissal of the Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Engr. Meyen Etukudo, the Governor said:
“I’m setting up a probe panel to investigate the power company’s activities to determine why it is running at a loss and owing the gas supplier. Any government investment that fails to yield profit will result in the MD’s removal. I don’t care about blackmail. We are determined—it’s time we started reaping from our investments.”
He added, “We cannot keep investing the people’s money in projects that yield no results. That’s not how I was raised,” Pastor Eno said.
Otuekong Raphael Bassey, Commissioner for Housing, lauded the Governor’s dedication to infrastructure development, describing him as a man of peace and progress. “The Governor is propelling the Ministry of Housing to deliver transformative projects that improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The Governor’s efforts also drew praise from Comrade Ukeme Etuk of the National Union of Air Transport Workers, who highlighted his commitment to workers’ welfare, including the timely payment of terminal benefits and last year’s 13th-month salary. “He keeps his promises. This year, he’ll do it again. Workers will continue to stand by him,” he said.
Captain Mfon Udom, Managing Director of Ibom Air, praised the Governor’s vision for the aviation sector and his dedication to supporting Ibom Air’s expansion plans.
Chief Ganem Ras of RAS Premium Construction Services pledged to exceed expectations in delivering the Aviation Village project, aligning it with the Arise Agenda blueprint.
