A’Ibom EXCO Approves 357 New Projects, Ratifies Ibom International Hospital, And Expands CNG Bus Fleet

A’Ibom EXCO Approves 357 New Projects, Ratifies Ibom International Hospital, And Expands CNG Bus Fleet

By Solomon OKPO | August 20, 2025.

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (EXCO), presided over by Governor Umo Eno on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Government House, Uyo, has approved key projects and policy initiatives aimed at deepening development across the state under the ARISE Agenda.

In his opening remarks, Governor Eno welcomed council members and emphasized teamwork, charging them to leverage each other’s strengths to accelerate the implementation of government programmes for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.

Among the major resolutions, Council approved the award of 357 projects across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to qualified youths and companies that applied through the state’s procurement portal. The Governor urged individuals and businesses to take advantage of such opportunities for the economic growth of the state.

On health infrastructure, EXCO ratified the Project Agreement and Award of Contract for the Ibom International Hospital, a proposed 350-bed world-class facility, and authorized the formal handover of the site to contractors.

In the works sector, the Council reviewed 771 kilometres of road projects across all 31 local government areas. The Commissioner for Works, in collaboration with the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, was directed to harmonize constituency project needs with provisions in the 2026 People’s Budget.

To strengthen the power sector, Council approved the hosting of a Power Summit to anchor the state’s sustainable energy roadmap and accelerate delivery of affordable electricity.

Tourism development also received a boost as EXCO reviewed a presentation by the Tony Blair Institute and inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Delivery Committee to drive the forthcoming Tourism Summit. The Governor chairs the committee, with commissioners, ALGON, AKICORP, and industry stakeholders as members.

In tackling illegal mining, the State Committee on Combating Illegal Mining was inaugurated, chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, with security and finance stakeholders as members.

Council further approved the procurement of sports equipment for the forthcoming Akwa Ibom Sports Festival scheduled to kick off on September 8, 2025. The event will feature 18 sporting competitions across 30 categories as part of youth and talent development.

On transportation, EXCO approved an increase in the order of CNG-powered City Buses from 20 to 50 units, to be deployed rotationally across the 31 LGAs, following inspection of the manufacturing process in Turkey.

Other highlights include directives to fast-track work on the Oron Maritime Terminal and related blue economy projects, as well as a call for mobilization of citizens to participate in the ongoing INEC Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Council also received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who commended Akwa Ibom as one of the safest states in Nigeria and praised the cooperation extended to security agencies.

The meeting, attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Civil Service, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and other officials, adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information
August 19, 2025