Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has defended his administration’s performance on road infrastructure delivery, stating that the state has completed about 1,300 kilometres of roads while also paying more than ₦83 billion in gratuity arrears owed to retirees across the state.
The remarks on road infrastructure delivery were made as Governor Eno reviewed the performance of his administration and ongoing development projects in Akwa Ibom State.
Infrastructure development and settlement of pension and gratuity liabilities have remained major governance issues in many Nigerian states, particularly amid rising public demand for improved welfare and service delivery. Since assuming office, the Eno administration has repeatedly identified road construction, rural connectivity, and workers’ welfare as priorities within its governance agenda.
Speaking on the achievements of his administration, Governor Eno said the state had recorded substantial progress in road infrastructure delivery, with approximately 1,300 kilometres of roads completed across different parts of Akwa Ibom. He stated that the projects include both urban and rural road networks aimed at improving transportation, economic activities, and access to communities.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had paid over ₦83 billion to clear gratuity backlogs owed to retired workers in the state public service. According to him, the payment process was part of efforts to improve welfare for pensioners and reduce long-standing financial obligations inherited by the government.
Governor Eno noted that the administration’s road infrastructure delivery strategy was designed to support economic development by improving mobility, market access, and connectivity between local government areas. He further stated that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects and sustaining investments in public infrastructure despite prevailing economic pressures.
The governor added that road construction projects were being executed across various senatorial districts as part of broader plans to strengthen development and expand public access to social and economic opportunities. The emphasis on road infrastructure delivery also formed part of the administration’s broader assessment of governance performance and project execution since taking office.
The focus on road infrastructure delivery and gratuity payments reflects growing attention on infrastructure expansion and worker welfare within state governance.
Analysts note that road projects can improve transportation efficiency, support local commerce, and strengthen economic activities in rural and urban communities. The settlement of gratuity arrears may also ease financial pressure on retirees and improve confidence in public sector welfare administration.
