Akwa Ibom Records ₦200 Billion Savings Through Procurement Reforms, Eno Tells Federal Officials
Gov Eno Attributes ₦200bn Savings to Procurement Reforms, Digital Governance
Procurement Reform Drives Cost Savings
AKWA Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has revealed that his administration has saved more than ₦200 billion through reforms in the state’s procurement system, describing prudent public procurement as a critical driver of sustainable development, transparency and efficient service delivery.
The governor disclosed this while receiving Federal Permanent Secretaries at Government House, Uyo, during their four-day Procurement Retreat in Akwa Ibom State.
According to Governor Eno, the state introduced a rigorous procurement process that subjects all contract bids to detailed evaluation using internally generated cost estimates before approvals are granted.
He explained that the reform has significantly reduced inflated contract costs, enabling government to execute more development projects with available resources.
Savings Funding Development Without Borrowing
Governor Eno said the substantial savings generated through the procurement reforms have strengthened the state’s financial position and enabled his administration to embark on major infrastructure and development projects without resorting to borrowing.
He noted that prudent financial management remains central to the ARISE Agenda, stressing that responsible spending creates opportunities for wider investment in public infrastructure and social services.
The governor maintained that transparency and value-for-money principles have become key considerations in the execution of government projects across sectors.
Digital Reforms Improve Transparency
Highlighting broader governance reforms, Governor Eno said the establishment of the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy has accelerated the digitisation of government operations.
He explained that procurement processes, staff recruitment, gratuity administration and several other public service functions are now conducted through verified digital platforms.
According to him, the reforms have enhanced transparency, reduced opportunities for fraud and improved operational efficiency across government institutions.
Government Targets Clearance of Gratuity Backlog
On workers’ welfare, Governor Eno disclosed that his administration inherited gratuity liabilities estimated at ₦111 billion, accumulated since 2012.
He said government has so far paid ₦87 billion, assuring that the outstanding balance would be completely settled before the expiration of his first tenure.
The governor further stated that salaries and pensions are being paid promptly while civil servants are receiving digital capacity-building programmes to prepare them for a technology-driven public service.
Federal Officials Commend Akwa Ibom
Governor Eno commended Federal Permanent Secretaries for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and called for stronger collaboration between federal and state public service institutions.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, praised the Akwa Ibom administration for its achievements in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, digital governance and public service reforms.
She disclosed that 33 Federal Permanent Secretaries participated in the procurement retreat organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, commended the state’s infrastructure development and announced plans to conduct a peer review of Akwa Ibom’s procurement system.
