***Backs Women Contractors
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reinforced his administration’s commitment to timely project delivery and merit-based contracting, following an unannounced inspection of strategic infrastructure projects across the state despite heavy rainfall.
The governor’s tour, conducted on Monday, April 14, sent a strong signal on two fronts — strict adherence to project timelines and increased inclusion of competent, high-performing contractors, particularly women.
Eno began at the Aviation Village, a 15-hectare residential estate developed to accommodate aviation personnel ahead of international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport. The estate features completed two- and three-bedroom housing units, a dual-carriage access road, internal road networks, perimeter fencing, and a model primary school.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, the governor noted that the 100 housing units remain central to the state’s aviation expansion strategy.
At the site, Eno commended female contractors executing key components of the project, highlighting their efficiency, professionalism, and quality delivery. He subsequently directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prioritise such firms in future contract awards, stressing that competence and proven track records must outweigh sentiment.
The inspection moved to the Equipment Leasing and Maintenance Plant, a critical facility aimed at boosting mechanised agriculture. The plant includes 20 tractor sheds, administrative blocks, a modern maintenance workshop, 25 tractors with attachable implements, and two low-bed transport vehicles. The facility is expected to lower the cost of mechanisation and enhance food production across the state.
Furthering his infrastructure push, the governor also visited the proposed site of the CNG Mass Transit Bus Terminal. The planned hub will feature a gas filling station, training academy, maintenance workshops, restaurants, a police post, and an automated car wash, marking a shift toward cleaner and more efficient public transportation.
Despite the downpour, Eno concluded his inspection at the Dakkada Luxury Estate, where both the State Assembly and Executive Council quarters are under construction. His presence across all sites underscored a hands-on approach to governance, with a focus on real-time monitoring, quality assurance, and accountability.
Speaking on the visit, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the administration’s resolve to align policy with execution.
He emphasised that the projects are directly tied to job creation, economic growth, and improved welfare for residents, stressing that timelines are non-negotiable and excellence will be rewarded.
The surprise tour signals a more aggressive pace in project supervision, as the state government seeks to translate policy initiatives into tangible development outcomes across key sectors.