Billions Approved, Work Unfinished: Scrutiny Mounts Over Akwa Ibom Assembly Project
A multi-billion-naira rehabilitation project meant to modernise the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has become the subject of growing public scrutiny as delays, procurement concerns and unanswered questions continue to surround the initiative.
Silence at a Multi-Billion-Naira Construction Site
ON a bright afternoon in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly complex stood unusually quiet.
A project that was expected to transform the legislative headquarters of one of Nigeria’s wealthiest oil-producing states showed little sign of active construction. Rather than the bustle of engineers, artisans and construction workers normally associated with a major public project, only a handful of security personnel were visible around the premises.
A notice at the entrance directed visitors to temporary offices at Luton Park Hotel, where lawmakers and administrative staff have been operating since relocating from the complex months ago.
The scene has intensified public interest in a rehabilitation project that has attracted a combined budget allocation of ₦15.47 billion over two years.
From Rehabilitation Promise to Expanding Budget
The project gained momentum after Governor Umo Eno visited the Assembly complex in July 2024 and publicly expressed concern about the condition of the facility.
Subsequently, the revised 2025 budget earmarked ₦2.95 billion for rehabilitation works, including reroofing, ceiling replacement, tiling, painting and the construction of a multi-purpose hall.
By 2026, the scope of work had expanded significantly. Additional provisions covered extensive structural remodelling, construction of new office facilities, library upgrades, installation of security infrastructure, parking areas, woodwork and interior finishing.
The cumulative allocation reached ₦15.47 billion, making it one of the most significant public infrastructure projects currently associated with the state legislature.
Relocation and Missed Timelines
Ahead of the renovation, Assembly authorities directed lawmakers, staff and occupants to vacate the premises in October 2025.
At the time, representatives of the contractor assured lawmakers that the project would be completed within six months. Equipment was reportedly mobilised and implementation plans outlined.
However, the projected completion date passed in April 2026, while lawmakers and Assembly officials remained displaced from their permanent headquarters.
The prolonged relocation has generated concerns about both project implementation and the financial implications of maintaining temporary facilities for legislative activities.
What Investigators Found on Ground
A visit to the Assembly complex revealed visible signs of partial work, including removed roofing sections and limited structural modifications around parts of the building.
Yet observers noted an apparent absence of sustained construction activity.
Only a crane and concrete mixer were visible, while security personnel reportedly indicated that contractors had not maintained a consistent presence on the site for months.
Residents and business operators around the complex offered similar observations, suggesting that active construction had slowed considerably after initial demolition and preliminary works.
Although claims of funding-related delays surfaced during interviews, no official confirmation was provided.
Confusion Over Contractor Identity
One of the most significant issues emerging from the project concerns the identity of the contractor.
Official documents directing the relocation of Assembly activities reportedly identified one construction company, while project signage displayed at the site named another.
The discrepancy has raised questions about the exact contractual arrangement governing the project.
Investigations also revealed limited publicly available information regarding the procurement process and contract documentation, despite legal provisions requiring disclosure of procurement records.
Observers argue that transparency is particularly important given the size of the project and the public funds involved.
Procurement Questions Remain Unanswered
Several key issues remain unresolved.
Among them are the total amount released to contractors, the percentage of work completed, the procurement procedures followed and the reasons for the project’s delay.
Requests for clarification from relevant government agencies and project supervisors reportedly received little or no response before publication of the report.
Without access to payment records, mobilisation details or valuation certificates, independent verification of project progress remains difficult.
Assembly Leaders Defend the Project
Despite growing concerns, Assembly officials insist there is no cause for alarm.
Leaders of relevant legislative committees maintain that work is ongoing and describe the original completion period as a projection rather than a fixed deadline.
They also argue that construction projects frequently encounter unforeseen challenges capable of affecting delivery schedules.
However, critics contend that public confidence depends not merely on assurances but on verifiable information and measurable progress.
Accountability Beyond Infrastructure
The controversy surrounding the Assembly rehabilitation project extends beyond bricks and mortar.
For governance advocates, the issue reflects broader concerns about transparency, procurement compliance and accountability in public spending.
The unanswered questions have shifted public attention from the physical structure itself to the systems responsible for managing taxpayer resources.
Until detailed disclosures are made regarding contractor arrangements, project financing and implementation progress, the Assembly complex is likely to remain a focal point in conversations about public accountability in Akwa Ibom State.
