Governor Umo Eno Inspects Key Infrastructure Projects, Sets December Deadline for Major Road and Bridge Completion

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to timely project delivery and quality infrastructure development by conducting an extensive inspection of ongoing projects across Eket and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas despite heavy rainfall. The Governor used the inspection tour to assess the pace and quality of work firsthand while directing contractors handling strategic infrastructure projects to accelerate construction and ensure completion before December 2026.

Determined to ensure that public infrastructure projects are delivered according to approved specifications and timelines, Governor Umo Eno embarked on another round of project inspections across parts of Akwa Ibom State, underscoring his administration's emphasis on accountability and physical verification of government projects. The inspection covered several strategic projects located in Eket and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas, where the Governor personally assessed construction activities despite adverse weather conditions. Moving through muddy and waterlogged sections of project sites, he issued on-the-spot directives to contractors and supervising officials while evaluating the progress achieved since his previous visits.

Addressing Government House Correspondents after the inspection, Governor Eno explained that the exercise formed part of his administration's project monitoring strategy aimed at comparing field realities with progress reports earlier presented during the State Projects Delivery Meeting. According to the Governor, routine inspections provide an opportunity to independently verify the quality of ongoing work, identify implementation challenges, and ensure that public funds translate into tangible infrastructure for residents.

He noted that the visit was also influenced by his presence in Nsit Ubium over the weekend, making it practical to inspect projects within the area and neighbouring Eket Local Government as part of his statewide monitoring programme. While expressing satisfaction with the level of progress recorded across the various sites, Governor Eno maintained that contractors must intensify efforts to meet agreed completion timelines without compromising quality standards. He urged construction firms to adopt more efficient work schedules, including extended working hours where necessary, in order to complete the projects ahead of the planned commissioning period later this year.

Among the major projects inspected were the ongoing construction of a Counter Terrorism Unit facility, the 2.4-kilometre Ofriyo Road and its 120-metre bridge linking Nsit Ubium and Eket Local Government Areas, the General Hospital and Model Primary School in Nsit Ubium, as well as the dualisation of the 11.6-kilometre Ikot Imoh–Strabag Junction–Eket Road.

Particular attention was given to the Ofriyo Road and bridge project, which serves as a critical transport link between the two local government areas. The Governor directed contractors to ensure the project is completed before December 2026 to improve mobility, support commerce, and enhance socio-economic activities within the region.

Responding on behalf of one of the contractors, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amitec Construction and Development Limited, Aiman Saimua, assured the Governor that adequate measures had already been put in place to meet the project's delivery schedule.

The inspection further reflects the administration's broader commitment to sustaining infrastructure investments under the ARISE Agenda through continuous supervision, performance evaluation, and strict adherence to project timelines

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According to Governor Umo Eno, his administration places high importance on physically inspecting projects to ensure that actual progress corresponds with reports submitted by implementing ministries and contractors.

The Governor stated that although noticeable progress has been made across the inspected projects, his administration will only consider the assignments successfully completed after they are delivered according to approved specifications and timelines.

Governor Eno urged contractors to maximise available construction time by introducing round-the-clock work schedules where necessary to ensure the projects are ready for commissioning before December 2026.

Aiman Saimua, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amitec Construction and Development Limited, assured the Governor that his company has put the necessary operational mechanisms in place to complete the assigned projects within the agreed timeframe.

Regular project inspections by government leaders help improve transparency, strengthen contractor accountability, and ensure that taxpayers receive value for public spending. By personally monitoring infrastructure projects, the Governor seeks to reduce implementation delays, maintain construction quality, and ensure that strategic investments contribute meaningfully to economic growth and improved public services

Residents of Eket, Nsit Ubium, and surrounding communities can expect improved transportation, healthcare, education, and security infrastructure if the projects are completed within schedule. The completion of key road and bridge projects is also expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and stimulate local economic activities across the affected communities.

Since assuming office, Governor Umo Eno has prioritised infrastructure delivery under the ARISE Agenda, with investments spanning roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, education, security infrastructure, aviation, tourism, agriculture, and power.

The administration recently conducted its July State Projects Delivery Meeting, where ministries and contractors presented progress reports on major projects. The Governor has consistently maintained that such reports must be complemented by physical inspections to verify performance and ensure compliance with approved standards.

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Infrastructure development extends beyond awarding contracts; it requires consistent supervision, transparent monitoring, and effective project management. Governor Umo Eno's decision to personally inspect project sites, even under unfavourable weather conditions, reflects an increasing emphasis on performance verification rather than relying solely on administrative reports.

However, while inspection visits strengthen accountability, long-term success will ultimately be measured by whether projects are completed within budget, delivered on schedule, and maintained effectively after commissioning. Sustainable infrastructure development depends not only on political commitment but also on contractor efficiency, institutional oversight, and continuous maintenance.

If successfully completed before the December deadline, the road, bridge, healthcare, education, and security projects inspected could significantly improve mobility, public service delivery, economic activity, and quality of life for residents across Eket, Nsit Ubium, and adjoining communities.