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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees mandated to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport as well as ensure implementation of the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues in the state.
Eno performed the exercise while signing into law the N1.585 Trillion 2026 budget at the Enlarged State Executive Council meeting at Exco Chambers of Government House in Uyo
According to the governor, the Committees’ inauguration mark another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems while fast-tracking the completion of major development projects across the state .
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation are Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government- Chairman, Emem Bob , Commissioner For Finance/ Special Duties, Mr. George Uriesi, Managing Director, Ibom Air, Engr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General, with Mr. Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director, Airport Development Authority as Secretary
Members of the Committee on the Implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) for generated revenues include Mr. Emem Bob Commissioner for Finance as Chairman, Mr Uko Udom,
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning as members with Mr. Okon Okon – Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service to serve as Secretary.
Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the newly- inaugurated committees noting that their expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability while urging them to intensify their efforts and guarantee that all preparatory works remain on schedule.
On the committee for the state’s international airport, Eno charged members with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kickoff in April this year.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realization and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026.”
He emphasized the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies.
“I firmly state here that no agency of government is permitted to operate a single independent account as all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.
“No agency is allowed to maintain its own stand-alone account. All revenue must be generated and spent through one account. This is the only way we can maintain transparency and track our resources effectively.
“Let me make it absolutely clear that no part of government will generate money and spend.
“Please if we find out that you circumvent this instruction in any way. We will not take it kindly. All funds should go to the Treasury Single Account.” Eno said that the committee would set aside some per centage of funds generated to MDAs as running costs
“We have a huge budget of N1.5 trillion and we need these funds for the good of our people.
“As we speak, we know that Akwa Ibom is not owing any bank in this country. Not one bank.
“And we don’t intend to owe, except if it becomes absolutely necessary. And we’ll go to the House of Assembly and make our case.
“We know there will be deficits from what we project from the federation account. We don’t intend to borrow. But we know that if we are honest and transparent and accountable, and all of us work and support the Treasury Single Account, we’ll have more than enough to execute the budget.”
