Minna: The Akwa Ibom Government has cleared all inherited bank debts amounting to N39.83 billion, encompassing both principal and interest. The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Emem Bob, revealed this during the state government’s monthly news briefing in Uyo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bob stated that by December 2025, the government, led by Governor Umo Eno, had significantly reduced the inherited gratuity backlog owed to retirees from N110 billion to N80 billion. As of June 2025, the state’s investment portfolio had increased from N6 billion to N10 billion, with returns recorded at N260.65 million.
The commissioner emphasized the government’s commitment to timely payment of salaries and pensions across all ministries, departments, and agencies. He highlighted that fiscal reforms have been implemented, focusing on debt management, procurement, and verification exercises. These reforms led to the elimination of approximately 3,000 ghost workers, creating opportunities for new employment.
Bob noted that public procurement processes are now audited and aligned with accepted standards, and capacity-building programmes have been conducted for staff to ensure sustainable procurement practices. The full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has been instrumental in ensuring that all internally generated revenue from MDAs flows through the AkwaRemit Platform into the state TSA, providing a reliable base for funding government initiatives, including the ARISE Agenda.
The government has disbursed N321.8 million as staff housing loans to 212 civil servants within the period. Additionally, the repayment of Afrexim credit to Ibom Power continues on a quarterly basis. Bob mentioned that adherence to budget discipline has improved performance, with over 85 per cent of the budget implemented according to plans, and contractors for both inherited and ongoing projects are being paid promptly.
Dr Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information, reported that the state’s free food distribution programme had reached 500,000 vulnerable households. The distribution is set to resume in April to enhance food security and affirm the administration’s commitment to social protection. During this period, more than 1,200 kilometres of roads have been constructed and 32 bridges have been either delivered or are in progress.