World Bank-Backed SABER Reward: Akwa Ibom Secures $6.2

Akwa Ibom State has secured a $6,206,745.42 World Bank-Backed SABER Reward after emerging as one of the top-performing states in the 2024 State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Programme, with Governor Umo Eno describing the achievement as a validation of his administration’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline and institutional reforms.

Key Highlights

• Akwa Ibom receives $6.2 million World Bank-Backed SABER Reward for outstanding performance.
• Governor Umo Eno attributes the recognition to transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline.
• State also ranks among Nigeria’s top performers in the CIAPS Governance Performance Index.
• Ibom Air resumes international flights between Uyo and Accra, Ghana.
• Government acquires 50 new CNG buses to improve public transportation.
• Youth Development Centres to be established across all 31 local government areas.
• Governor urges journalists and social media users to verify information before publication.

Governor Eno announced the award during the July edition of the Monthly Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, saying the World Bank-Backed SABER Reward reflects the success of reforms implemented under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

According to the governor, the performance-based reward demonstrates Akwa Ibom State’s dedication to accountable governance, prudent financial management and the creation of a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and promotes sustainable economic growth.

He noted that the latest achievement follows the state’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s leading performers in the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index, further strengthening confidence in Akwa Ibom’s governance model.

Governor Eno said the two recognitions confirm that the state is making steady progress toward sustainable development, adding that meaningful growth requires strategic planning, consistency and patience.

Highlighting other milestones of his administration, the governor announced that Ibom Air has resumed international flight operations between Uyo and Accra, Ghana.

According to him, the airline currently operates flights every Thursday and Sunday, with plans to expand to additional international destinations as passenger demand increases.

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To strengthen public transportation, Governor Eno disclosed that the state government has procured 50 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.

He said the first batch of 20 buses has already arrived, while the remaining 30 are expected shortly. The governor added that the buses are newly manufactured and that drivers will undergo comprehensive training before commercial operations begin.

On youth empowerment, Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing Youth Development Centres in all 31 local government areas of the state.

He explained that the centres will provide skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training and empowerment programmes designed to improve youth productivity, employment and economic participation.

The governor also encouraged residents and visitors to take advantage of Akwa Ibom’s growing tourism sector, describing the current period as the state’s “harvest season.”

He urged tourists to visit attractions such as Arise Park and the ARISE Resort, expressing confidence that sustained investment in tourism infrastructure would further position the state as a leading destination in Nigeria.

Governor Eno also cautioned journalists, social media users and members of the public against the spread of false or unverified information.

He urged media practitioners and content creators to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by verifying facts before publication, warning that the dissemination of misinformation undermines public trust and could attract legal consequences.