Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has rolled out a fresh wave of economic and infrastructure investments, approving 357 new projects across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, while also unveiling plans to host a landmark Power Summit aimed at anchoring the state’s electricity development roadmap.
Governor Umo Eno, who presided over the Council meeting in Uyo, said the move was designed to expand opportunities for indigenous businesses, youths, and communities while driving the ARISE Agenda’s economic transformation plan.
“We are determined to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and companies take full advantage of the opportunities available. The award of 357 projects through the State procurement portal is a clear signal that we are opening up the economy for our own people to benefit,” the Governor declared.
On the power sector, the Council reviewed a roadmap for implementing a sustainable energy programme and resolved to host a State Power Summit that will bring together key players in the industry.
According to Governor Eno, the summit will be a “game-changer” for reliable and affordable electricity delivery.
“Our administration is consolidating efforts in the power sector. By hosting the Power Summit, we want to accelerate delivery of sustainable energy, ensure reliable supply, and unlock private sector investments that will power industries, homes, and communities,” he said.
The Council also ratified a major milestone in the state’s healthcare sector, the award of contract and handover of site for the construction of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, described as a first-class medical facility that will boost health tourism and create jobs.
In the transport sector, the Executive Council approved an expansion of the ongoing CNG City Bus programme, increasing the ordered fleet from 20 to 50 buses. This, the Governor said, will “guarantee affordable, clean, and modern mobility solutions across all 31 LGAs of the state.”
The meeting also received updates on the Oron Maritime Terminal and blue economy corridor, with directives issued for acceleration of works on jetties, ferries, and supporting infrastructure to restore full maritime transport services.
On road infrastructure, the Council reviewed 771km of ongoing projects across the 31 local government areas. The Commissioners for Works and for Budget & Economic Planning were directed to align identified road needs with the forthcoming 2026 People’s Budget to ensure equitable distribution.
Tourism also got a major boost as the Council approved an Inter-Ministerial Delivery Committee, chaired by the Governor, to drive the forthcoming Tourism Summit in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute, aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading destination.
In a move to tighten resource governance, the state inaugurated a Committee on Combating Illegal Mining, chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, to regulate mineral activities and curb illicit exploitation.
Other resolutions included approval of equipment purchase for the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival kicking off September 8, as well as directives for mass mobilization of citizens in the ongoing INEC Continuous Voter Registration.
The meeting also hosted the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who lauded Akwa Ibom as “one of the safest states in the country” and commended the government’s support to security agencies.
