Akwa Ibom government highlights progress on 85 priority projects
The Akwa Ibom State Government says the implementation of priority projects under the ARISE Agenda is driving development across key sectors of the state, with significant progress recorded after nearly three years in office.
Speaking during the monthly media briefing at the Government House Press Centre in Uyo on 2 March 2026, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the administration of Governor Umo Eno had made measurable progress through the execution of 85 priority projects designed to strengthen institutions, expand infrastructure and improve living standards.
He said construction activities had intensified across the state in recent weeks, with work ongoing at the ARISE Palm Resort, road repairs at 83 locations in Uyo metropolis and the reconstruction of Aka Itiam Street.
Other projects include the planned 5,000-capacity convention centre, a 200-bed Ibom Hotel at the Tropicana Complex and a franchise agreement for a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Ikot Ekpene.
The commissioner said the government had also signed a memorandum of understanding for the management of the ARISE Palm Resort and the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort as part of efforts to strengthen tourism and attract investment.
According to him, the administration has continued to invest in social welfare, including the presentation of a newly built three-bedroom bungalow and seven self-contained apartments to a family in Atabong, Eket, whose home was destroyed by fire.
He added that ₦2.3 billion had also been paid as gratuities to retired civil servants.
Umanah said agricultural programmes such as the Ibom Model Farm, ARISE Home Farms Scheme and Back-to-Farm Initiative were helping to reposition agriculture as a viable economic sector while improving food security through free food distribution to vulnerable households.
He said infrastructure development remained a key focus, with more than 1,200 kilometres of roads and 32 bridges either completed or ongoing across the state, alongside the introduction of a compressed natural gas mass transit scheme to improve transportation.
The commissioner also highlighted reforms in public finance, including the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, which he said had improved transparency and blocked revenue leakages.
He said over ₦80 billion had been paid in pensions and gratuities, while the implementation of an ₦80,000 minimum wage and recruitment of workers and health personnel had strengthened public service delivery.
In the health sector, he said 31 model primary healthcare centres were operational across the state, supported by improvements in hospitals and the expansion of the health insurance scheme.
Education reforms include the establishment of 31 model schools and the rehabilitation of 121 projects, alongside continued funding for free education, bursaries and support for students with disabilities.
The commissioner said security had also been strengthened through the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, the deployment of Ibom Community Watch personnel and the creation of a security command centre.
He added that youth empowerment initiatives, housing projects and strategic investments in aviation and tourism were positioning Akwa Ibom as a competitive investment destination.
Umanah said the 85 priority projects represented a coordinated effort to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents, adding that the government remained committed to consolidating the gains recorded so far.
