Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the immediate release of N120 billion for contractors executing state projects and N1.5 billion to pay the backlog of gratuities owed to retired public servants.
Announcing the development, Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Umanah, in a statement said the intervention was aimed at sustaining project momentum and ensuring timely completion.
“The payment to contractors is to enable them to remain on site and promptly take advantage of the current dry season to intensify construction activities and deliver projects within agreed timelines,” he stated.
The funds, according to the statement, is limited to contractors with duly vetted and approved Interim Payment Certificates, IPCs.
“This ensures accountability and value for money while accelerating work on critical state projects,” Umanah added.
On the gratuities front, the latest N1.5 billion payment will reduce the backlog of N112 billion inherited by the current administration, dating back to 2012. The total disbursed to date now stands at N76.665 billion, covering retirees up to May 2021.
Governor Eno emphasized that worker and retiree welfare remains a core priority, alongside infrastructure development.
“This administration remains committed to timely project delivery and improving the quality of life of Akwa Ibom people in line with the Arise Agenda,” the statement noted.
The Governor also extended New Year greetings, pledging continued efforts to achieve the objectives of his administration for 2026.
