PROGRESS VIEWS

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has conducted a technical visit to the ongoing Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) Corporate Headquarters project along Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, as part of its programme of technical tours of major infrastructure projects under the State Government's ARISE Agenda. The August 12 visit focused on construction quality, professional coordination, site safety, project documentation and the practical development of architecture students and young professionals. NIA Akwa Ibom inspected the two-storey AKICORP Corporate Headquarters project in Uyo. The Chapter assessed construction practices, safety measures, documentation and professional coordination. NIA called for improved and consistent use of PPE on the construction site. The team urged proper display of project information and approved working drawings. The Chapter highlighted the importance of site visits in professional development and practical training. ...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has moved to deepen the State’s aviation ambitions by pursuing a strategic partnership with Netherlands-based SAMCO Group Europe for the operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, while reaffirming government support for Ibom Air’s continuing fleet expansion. The discussions took place in Montreal, Canada, on August 13, 2026, during engagements with SAMCO and Airbus ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Akwa Ibom is seeking a practical partnership with SAMCO to support the operation of the MRO facility at Victor Attah International Airport. The proposed partnership is expected to cover aircraft maintenance, technical support, training, technology transfer and local capacity development. Governor Eno said substantial government investment had already been made in completing the MRO facility. Ibom Air’s fleet e...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has signed 14 Executive Bills into law, describing the legislative package as a major milestone in strengthening governance, institutionalising reforms and expanding the gains of his administration's ARISE Agenda. The new laws establish and reform key institutions across land administration, healthcare, public procurement, tourism, revenue generation, emergency services, education and social welfare, with the government saying they will improve public service delivery and ensure policy continuity. Key Takeaways Governor Umo Eno signed 14 Executive Bills into law. The laws establish new agencies across governance, healthcare, tourism, education and public administration. The Hospitals Management Board Law was amended to decentralise hospital administration into zonal management boards. Government plans to redeploy doctors serving in administrative roles back into clinical practice. Additional health sector reforms and a new Environmental Sa...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has issued a strong warning to contractors handling the Judiciary Quarters project, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of work and threatening to terminate contracts if significant progress is not achieved within two weeks. During an unscheduled inspection of the project site, the governor criticised the low level of activity, insisting that the housing project, flagged off in January, must be completed and commissioned before the end of December. Key Takeaways Governor Umo Eno expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work at the Judiciary Quarters project. He observed poor site activity and the absence of supervising officials during his visit. The governor warned that contracts could be terminated if work does not improve within two weeks. He reaffirmed his commitment to commissioning the project in December. Government officials supervising the project were also warned of possible sanctions for poor oversight. Governor Umo Eno has...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the release of ₦1.968 billion for the payment of examination fees for students in public basic and secondary schools across the state, reinforcing his administration's commitment to free education and human capital development. The latest intervention, combined with the previously approved ₦1.3 billion bursary scheme for the 2025/2026 academic session, brings the state's recent investment in education to over ₦3.2 billion, aimed at ensuring that no eligible student is denied educational opportunities because of financial challenges. Key Takeaways Governor Umo Eno approved ₦1.968 billion for examination fees. The funding covers WAEC, NABTEB, BECE, Common Entrance, and other state examinations. ₦1.368 billion is allocated for WASSCE and related registration expenses. ₦50 million has been approved for NABTEB examinations. ₦550 million will fund various state entrance and promotion examinations. The intervention complements the...

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) , Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has called for comprehensive urban planning reforms and resilient infrastructure development as lasting solutions to the recurring flooding affecting Uyo metropolis and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.  While commending the Akwa Ibom State Government for ongoing drainage interventions and emergency flood mitigation efforts, the Institute stressed that sustainable solutions require stronger development control, implementation and review of the Uyo Master Plan, protection of natural waterways, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The position was contained in a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Chapter, Arc. Victor I. Jackson, MNIA, on behalf of the Chapter Chairman, Arc. Edidiong Ukpong, PhD, FNIA . According to the Institute, although the government has demonstrated commitment through drainage construction, desilting operations and other flood-control interventions, the recurring nature ...

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) , Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has applauded the quality and pace of work on the ongoing ARISE Shopping City project in Uyo, describing it as another strategic investment capable of transforming Akwa Ibom into one of Nigeria's leading tourism, retail and business destinations. During a technical inspection of the project, the professional body said the development reflects the state government's deliberate commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure while creating new opportunities for commerce, employment and economic diversification. As part of its commitment to promoting professional excellence and encouraging quality infrastructure delivery, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, conducted a technical visit to the ARISE Shopping City project in Uyo on July 8, 2026. The inspection forms part of the Chapter's ongoing programme of visiting major public infrastructure projects being executed under ...

An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced a commercial motorcyclist to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping a nursing mother at knifepoint following a robbery. The judgment brings to an end an 11-year legal process arising from an incident that occurred in February 2015. Justice Archibong Archibong of the Akwa Ibom State High Court convicted Michael Effiong Japhet on charges of rape and stealing under the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000. According to evidence presented before the court, the victim, a fruit seller, boarded the convict's motorcycle at Ekom Iman Junction in Uyo on February 23, 2015, after concluding her day's business. She was travelling to Ikot Ofon in Ikono Local Government Area when the journey took a tragic turn. Court proceedings revealed that instead of following the agreed route, the motorcyclist diverted into a bush path around Ikot Nsung under the pretext that his motorcycle had developed a fuel problem. The prosecuti...

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 asses...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has transferred the management of the Ibom Model Farm to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) as part of efforts to deepen agricultural development, enhance food security, and position the state as a hub for agro-tourism. Speaking during an inspection of the facility, the Governor explained that the decision reflects his administration's confidence in the university's technical capacity to operate the farm as a modern agricultural and research centre, while the State Ministry of Agriculture will provide supervisory oversight to ensure compliance with government policies and operational standards. Governor Eno disclosed that government has reached an advanced stage in providing the infrastructure required for the farm to commence full operations, expressing optimism that the partnership with AKSU will transform the facility into a model of sustainable agricultural production and innovation. According to him, the Ibom Model Farm is designed ...

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 responsib...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, prudent financial management, and sustainable development, disclosing that the state's in-house contract review mechanism has saved over ₦200 billion in project costs. The Governor made this known while presiding over the July State Projects Delivery Meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, media representatives, and other stakeholders reviewed the progress of major projects being executed across the state. Governor Eno explained that the delivery meeting was designed to give citizens and stakeholders direct access to information on government projects, ensuring openness in governance and strengthening public confidence through regular project evaluation and performance monitoring. According to him, the administration's internal quantity surveying and con...