The approval was disclosed in a press release signed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah. According to the statement, the funds are intended to ensure that contractors remain on site and take full advantage of the dry season to intensify construction work and deliver projects within agreed timelines.
The government clarified that the payments are restricted to contractors who have submitted duly vetted and approved Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs).
In addition to the funds released for contractors, Governor Eno also approved the immediate release of ₦1.5 billion for the continued payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants in the state.
The release of the gratuity funds is expected to further reduce the backlog of ₦112 billion inherited by the administration, which dates back to 2012. With the latest disbursement, the total amount paid as gratuities now stands at ₦76.665 billion, covering entitlements up to May 2021.
The state government affirmed that the twin interventions would significantly speed up work on critical projects while reinforcing the administration’s commitment to timely project delivery and value for money.
Governor Eno, the statement noted, has consistently maintained that the welfare of workers and retirees remains a central priority of his administration, alongside the execution of projects that improve the quality of life of Akwa Ibom residents.
The governor also extended goodwill messages to the people of the state, wishing them a happy and prosperous 2026, while assuring them of the administration’s continued commitment to the full realisation of the ARISE Agenda in the new year.
