The Akwa Ibom State Government says it has paid over ₦82 billion to offset gratuities and other entitlements owed to retired civil servants since 2012.

Governor Umo Eno made this known during his Easter broadcast, noting that the total inherited liability stood at ₦111 billion.

“To date, we have paid over ₦82 billion out of the ₦111 billion we inherited as gratuities and other emoluments of our retirees since 2012, and remain on track to liquidate the backlog, hopefully before the end of our first term in office,” Eno said.

He described the development as a fulfilment of his campaign promise, assuring that his administration remains committed to clearing the outstanding balance.

“This was a campaign promise we made, and I’m happy to report that we are fulfilling that promise,” he added.

The governor also highlighted key achievements under his administration’s ARISE Agenda, disclosing that over 1,300 kilometres of roads have been constructed since he assumed office in 2023.

“Since coming into office in 2023, we have embarked on the construction of over 1,300 kilometres of roads; some inherited, while others were started and completed by our administration,” he said.

Eno further revealed that an additional 167 kilometres of roads had been approved, with projects spread across all local government areas in the state.

“At our last EXCO meeting, we approved an additional 167 kilometres of roads across the state… Today, we make bold to state emphatically that there is no local government area in this state that we have not touched,” he stated.

While acknowledging existing challenges, the governor expressed optimism that the state would overcome them, drawing inspiration from the Easter message of hope and renewal.