𝘼𝙠𝙬𝙖 𝙄𝙗𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 $6.2 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮

Akwa Ibom State has secured a $6.2 million performance-based grant from the World Bank under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme, following its strong performance in transparency, fiscal management and governance reforms.

Governor Umo Eno announced the development during the July Covenant Service at Government House, Uyo, describing the award as international recognition of the state's commitment to accountability, prudent resource management and institutional reforms. He said the funds were earned through measurable improvements in governance rather than obtained as loans or conventional aid.

The Governor noted that the latest recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for the state, coming shortly after Akwa Ibom was ranked among Nigeria's leading performers in the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index. According to him, the recognitions affirm that consistent reforms and responsible leadership are producing tangible results.

Beyond governance, Governor Eno highlighted several strategic projects aimed at accelerating economic growth. He announced that Ibom Air has resumed scheduled international flights between Uyo and Accra, Ghana, with plans to expand its regional network as passenger demand increases. He also disclosed that the state government has procured 50 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to modernise public transportation and reduce commuting costs. Twenty buses have already arrived, while the remaining vehicles are expected in the coming weeks ahead of the official launch of the mass transit programme.

On youth development, the Governor reaffirmed plans to establish Youth Development Centres in all 31 local government areas. The centres are expected to provide vocational training, entrepreneurship support and practical skills that will improve employment opportunities for young people across the state.

Governor Eno further called on residents and visitors to explore Akwa Ibom's expanding tourism sector, citing investments in facilities such as the ARISE Park and ARISE Resort as part of efforts to position the state as a preferred destination for leisure, business and hospitality.

Addressing the media, the Governor urged journalists and social media users to uphold professionalism by verifying information before publication. He warned against the spread of misinformation, stressing that false reports undermine public confidence and could attract legal consequences. He also expressed appreciation to religious leaders for their continued prayers and support, describing peace, unity and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for sustainable development.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

The World Bank's performance grant to Akwa Ibom underscores a growing global shift toward rewarding states that demonstrate measurable improvements in governance, transparency and public sector reforms. Such incentives not only strengthen investor confidence but also encourage governments to institutionalize accountability and prudent financial management.

For Akwa Ibom, the recognition presents an opportunity to build on recent achievements by ensuring that governance reforms translate into improved infrastructure, quality public services, job creation and inclusive economic growth. Sustaining transparency, efficient resource management and policy consistency will be critical to maintaining international confidence and delivering long-term benefits to citizens.