By Williams Akpabio
In line with its constitutional mandate to strengthen oversight and ensure effective implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Health Action Plan, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health on Monday carried out an unscheduled oversight visit to the State Ministry of Health and the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The visit was undertaken in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Standing Orders of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (Seventh Edition), aimed at assessing compliance, service delivery and institutional efficiency within the health sector.
Leading the delegation, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Moses Essien , representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, commended Governor Pastor Umo Eno for appointing Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John as Commissioner for Health, describing him as a capable professional driving the ARISE Agenda vision in the health sector.
Hon. Essien expressed admiration for the serenity, cleanliness and level of digitalisation at the Ministry of Health, noting the presence of CCTV surveillance systems and a digital clock-in system, which he said compares favourably with multinational organisations. He further praised the rebranding of the ministry’s offices with modern facilities and uninterrupted 24-hour solar-powered electricity.
The committee chairman, who also chairs the House Committee on Food Security, lauded the judicious use of funds allocated to the ministry, attributing the visible transformation to effective leadership and prudent financial management.
While expressing optimism that budgetary allocation to the health sector would progress towards the 15 percent benchmark agreed upon by African Union member states during the 2001 Abuja Declaration by 2027, Hon. Essien charged the ministry to ensure full implementation of the Health Sector Action Plan across primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes. He stressed that the Assembly’s oversight goes beyond paperwork to ensuring practical execution of policies.
He further applauded Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John for consistently interpreting and implementing the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, noting that the impact of the State of Emergency declared in the health sector would be more evident in the near future.
Members of the committee expressed delight at the performance of the State Free Ambulance Emergency Services, which reportedly saved 1,799 lives between March and December 2025. They also commended the strong collaboration between the State and Federal Ministries of Health in maintaining emergency response standards, in line with the state government’s commitment to delivering healthcare services to every household in Akwa Ibom.
Earlier, the committee was received at the Ministry of Health headquarters by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abraham Inyangudo; Officer-in-Charge of the State Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Etienam Jacob; State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh; as well as directors and consultants of the ministry.
Welcoming the lawmakers, Dr. John commended the House of Assembly for its continuous support, synergy and understanding, describing legislative oversight as a source of encouragement that enhances effective service delivery. He noted that both the executive and legislative arms share a common vision in implementing the ARISE Agenda blueprint.
The commissioner also praised Governor Umo Eno for clearing the backlog of arrears owed to medical consultants, and reaffirmed his commitment to creating a conducive working environment where civil servants can take pride in their duties, supported by modern facilities.
During an interactive session, stakeholders in the health sector appealed to the House for advocacy towards the establishment of an Eye Hospital, a Cancer Centre and Teaching Hospitals for Akwa Ibom State University.
The highlight of the visit was a guided tour of the Ministry of Health headquarters and the Emergency Operations Centre. At the EOC, Dr. Etienam Jacob disclosed that Akwa Ibom State currently operates 31 fully equipped ambulances, consisting of four Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulances, 15 Advanced Cardiac Support (ACS) ambulances and 12 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, making the state’s emergency medical service one of the best in the country. He reiterated that the service saved 1,799 lives within the review period.
In his remarks, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, noted that the state, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other partners, has successfully controlled several public health emergencies.
Other lawmakers on the visit, including Hon. Itoro Etim, Hon. Lawrence Udoide JP and Hon. Engr. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, commended Governor Umo Eno for his health-focused vision and called for sustained maintenance of the facilities.
Also part of the delegation were Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, Hon. (Mrs.) Kenim Onofiok, the Committee Clerk, Mrs. Anietie Peters, and the Parliamentary Counsel, Cornelia Udoinyang Esq.
