By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced N60 billion fund for the acquisition of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft for Akwa Ibom air.
It would be recalled that this move aligns with the state’s broader agenda to expand its air transport infrastructure and boost regional connectivity.
While addressing the socio-cultural group Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the governor emphasized that the project was funded without relying on external loans.
According to him: “Our state must have an investment fund. We must deliberately and intentionally put away funds to reinvest and put our state amongst the states that will continue to take the lead.”
He further stressed the dangers of loans, warning saying: “Relying on external loans would lead to perpetual indebtedness, benefiting creditors at the expense of the state’s people.”
In addition to the aircraft purchase, Eno also revealed plans to pay N35 billion in gratuity arrears to beneficiaries by the end of September 2024, addressing nearly 50% of the accumulated backlog.
