Umo Eno’s financial liberation: Empowering local administrators into roads construction

By Emmanuel Nicholas

The administration under the leadership of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, has profoundly revolutionized the framework of local government governance in Nigeria by deliberately abstaining from interference in the financial operations of these entities.

This strategic initiative has conferred upon local government authorities the full autonomy to manage their financial allocations, which are directly disbursed from the federation account.

Furthermore, the sole oversight exercised in this arrangement is provided by the House Assembly, which is duly empowered by the 1999 Constitution to monitor and ensure accountability in the management of local government funds and expenditures.

This structure not only cultivates a sense of responsibility among local government officials in Akwa Ibom State but also significantly enhances transparency and efficiency in the utilization of public resources.

Governor has effectively terminated the era in which local government funds were distributed among a select few, often without any substantive projects being undertaken by local government administrators.

He has successfully dismantled the prevailing ideology that local government administration is incapable of undertaking substantial projects such as road construction, school building, the establishment of health centers, and a commitment to agricultural initiatives aimed at alleviating food scarcity in their respective areas.

The financial independence granted to local governments by Governor Umo Eno has fostered innovation and responsiveness. Local authorities are now empowered to implement programmea and initiatives that are more attuned to the unique challenges and opportunities present in their communities, rather than being constrained by the directives of higher authorities.

This newfound flexibility has led to enhanced public services, infrastructure development, and overall community well-being.

Among the local government administrations that have capitalized on the financial freedom afforded by Governor Eno’s administration to engage in road construction are Etim Ekpo, Ibiono Uruan, Uyo, Ikot Abasi, and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas.

When I refer to road construction, I do not imply mere road grading; rather, I am speaking of the construction of well-designed roads complete with drainage systems, the removal of unsuitable materials, the addition of sub-grade and sub-base layers, and the application of asphalt, all of which necessitate substantial financial budgetary allocations.

The first notable achievement comes from the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Uwa, who has skillfully executed the construction of a 1.1-kilometer asphalt-paved internal roadway, incorporating comprehensive drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and three designated parking facilities with a total capacity to accommodate approximately 500 vehicles, all accomplished within the initial three months of his tenure.

Rt. Hon. Asuakak Umoh, the Executive Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, has constructed a 453-meter access road leading to the Traditional Rulers Council building, which he recently completed from foundation to finish.

The Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, has initiated construction works to asphalt the internal roads within the Council Secretariat. The internal roads, spanning 1.4 kilometers, have reached an advanced stage of development.

Rt. Hon. Iniobong Ekpeyong, a professional surveyor before he entered into local government administration, has commenced the construction of a 1.2-kilometer access road to the local government Secretariat, to be completed with side drains, walkways and solar-powered streetlight.

To mitigate the flooding that often inundates the Uruan local government headquarters during rainy days, the Chairman of the Uruan Local Government is also constructing a 1.7-kilometer underground canal designed to alleviate flooding at the Secretariat, discharging into a valley and stream.

Additionally, the Chairperson of Nsit Ibom Local Government has also joined the ranks of local government administrators who have broken the mold by engaging in substantial investments in road construction.

Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Otoobong Aaron has initiated the asphalting of all internal roads within the local government Secretariat, covering a distance of 1.3 kilometers, complete with side drains and provisions for car parks.

Another local government chairman who has initiated infrastructural development within his jurisdiction is the Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien. He has officially launched the construction of a 1-kilometer road in Ikot Umiang Okon and has engaged the services of the renowned construction firm Henzek Integrated Services to carry out this project. The road on completion will have solar-powered street lights and a walkway.

Previously, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Tomme also undertook the rehabilitation of roads that had fallen into disrepair within the Eket metropolis.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemdimo Udo, who is the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, after successfully renovating Mbiabong Park, which had been submerged by floodwaters, has also constructed a 323-meter access road to the park, now asphalt level.

One might wonder why I have chosen to focus exclusively on the progress of local government administration in terms of road construction; the answer is straightforward: this particular aspect of development is one that no local government in Akwa Ibom would have dared to engage in over the past years due to budgetary constraints.

With the soaring costs of building materials such as rods, bitumen, stone base, laterite, cement, equipment, and granite, constructing just one kilometer of the road today can require an investment ranging from eight hundred million to one billion Naira, depending on the terrain, soil conditions, and compensation payments to property owners for right-of-way access.

However, with the financial autonomy granted to local government managers by Governor Umo Eno, PhD, numerous local government administrations have seized the opportunity to develop their localities.

In addition to road construction, many local governments are also actively engaged in the construction of new administrative blocks, while others are investing in the establishment of schools and health centers.

In my next edition focusing on local government administration development, I will spotlight those local governments that are diligently working to enhance healthcare, education, and other administrative facilities within their jurisdictions.

The purpose of today’s article is to highlight the local government administrations that have capitalized on the financial freedom granted to them by Governor Umo Eno and have engaged in extensive road construction that has previously been unprecedented.

The benefits of financial independence for local government authorities are manifold. Firstly, it fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among local leaders, as they are now directly responsible for the financial health and service delivery within their jurisdictions.

This autonomy enables them to tailor their budgets and expenditures to address the specific needs and priorities of their communities, resulting in more effective governance.

Lastly, the approach adopted by Governor Eno, to grant financial independence to local government authorities not only enhances their operational effectiveness but also empowers them to serve their communities with greater efficiency and responsiveness, ultimately contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the State.