NUJ Hails Gov Eno’s Open Project Review, Says such transparency Strengthens Public Trust

NUJ Hails Gov Eno’s Open Project Review, Says such transparency Strengthens Public Trust

By Unyime Bassey

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John , has lauded Governor Umo Eno for opening the state’s project delivery process to journalists and other stakeholders, describing the initiative as a remarkable demonstration of transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

Speaking after participating in the July State Projects Delivery Meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, held on 2nd and 3rd July, the NUJ Chairman, Comr, Nsibiet John said exposing government projects and expenditure to public scrutiny deepens citizens’ confidence in government and promotes factual reporting.

Governor Umo Eno, who presided over the meeting, said the project delivery sessions were designed to keep Akwa Ibom people informed on how public resources are being deployed. He disclosed that the state’s in-house quantity surveying mechanism had saved over ₦200 billion in project costs, with the savings redirected to other critical development needs.

The Governor noted that the presence of the NUJ, civil society organisations and other stakeholders was intended to ensure independent verification of government claims and to counter misinformation surrounding ongoing projects.

The meeting reviewed progress on major infrastructure projects across the state, including 1,305 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges, the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, aviation infrastructure, the Ibom Deep Seaport, Oron Maritime facilities, Youth Development Centres, model schools and primary healthcare centres.

Governor Eno also announced that Akwa Ibom had earned a six-million-dollar reward under the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme for outstanding performance in transparency, budget management and good governance, alongside an additional three million dollars under the Nigeria for Women Project.

A major highlight of the meeting was the inspection of one of the newly delivered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured for the state’s planned mass transit scheme. The NUJ Chairman joined other stakeholders in inspecting the buses and commended the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation.

John reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ to responsible, balanced and factual journalism, stressing that firsthand access to government projects would enhance accurate reportage and keep citizens properly informed about developments in the state.

The meeting, attended by senior government officials, political leaders, traditional stakeholders and members of the media, will continue next Month with further presentations on ongoing projects and development initiatives across the state.