Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD says the procurement reforms undertaken by his administration have saved billions of Naira, enabling the execution of more audacious capital projects across the State without borrowing a dime.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Saturday, in Government House, Uyo during a banquet organised in honour of the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and all federal Permanent Secretaries who were in the State on a retreat, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and transparent public administration, revealing that strict adherence to public procurement guidelines is a major secret behind the successful simultaneous execution of several infrastructural projects in the State.
He attributed the success of the ARISE Agenda to his administration’s procurement reforms, explaining that the number of projects executed and the opportunities created for Akwa Ibom people would be impossible without those reforms.
The Governor described his administration as highly civil service-friendly, noting that the state has prioritized the welfare of workers and retirees in recognition of their enormous contributions to the development of the State.
“Without our civil servants, government cannot function. Political office holders come and go but civil servants remain to ensure continuity in government and public policies.
“This is why our administration has decided to keep our civil servants motivated by prioritising their welfare.
“For instance, we inherited huge arrears of gratuities. Within three years, this administration has paid over ₦80 Billion to retired civil servants to make life more meaningful for them and as a way of assuring those still serving that they won’t be abandoned when they retire.”
The Governor listed other benefits extended to the civil service by his administration to include payment of N80,000 minimum wage, payment of the 13th month salary every December and other allowances due them.
According to him, the new international terminal of the Victor Attah International Airport, which has begun processing flights to Ghana will soon expand its operations to cover other parts of the World, describing Akwa Ibom State as a destination, inhabited by very hospitable people.
Setting the tone for the event, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, described Governor Umo Eno as a visionary and result-driven leader whose compassion, hard work and dedication have continued to drive the state’s remarkable development.
Prince Uwah said the numerous infrastructural and people-oriented projects across Akwa Ibom are clear evidence of the Governor’s commitment to improving the lives of the people through the ARISE Agenda.
He also described Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s foremost hospitality destination, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and warm reception of visitors.
In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, thanked the government and people of Akwa Ibom State for their hospitality, describing the State as an exceptional retreat environment.
She noted that the experience had effectively turned the 33 visiting Federal Permanent Secretaries and other directors into ambassadors for the State within the federal bureaucracy.
Mrs Walson-Jack added that the smooth execution of the retreat was largely due to the conducive ambience provided by the State, expressing optimism for continued synergy between the State and her office.
Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for being workers friendly, saying that the brainstorming and knowledge-sharing sessions between her and the visitors would impact her work.
Peters highlighted the efforts of the state government at domesticating global best practices in procurement, appealing for continued collaboration between the federal and the state civil service.
The event was attended by key government officials and stakeholders, including the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen, party officials and several stakeholders, including former Minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet.
Media Unit
Office of the Deputy Governor
12/07/2026
