Eno threatens to revoke delayed road contract
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a July 2026 deadline for the completion of the long-delayed Tabernacle Road project in Itam, Itu Local Government Area, warning that the state government will revoke the contract if the project is not delivered on schedule.
The governor issued the ultimatum during a media briefing in Uyo on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of his administration, where he also warned contractors handling public projects across the state against delays and poor delivery.
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Etim Ekpimah
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a July 2026 deadline for the completion of the long-delayed Tabernacle Road project in Itam, Itu Local Government Area, warning that the state government will revoke the contract if the project is not delivered on schedule.
The governor issued the ultimatum during a media briefing in Uyo on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of his administration, where he also warned contractors handling public projects across the state against delays and poor delivery.
Eno said the contractor handling the road project, Nsik Engineering Company Limited, had already exceeded the expected timeline after securing the contract in February 2024.
He stressed that his administration would no longer tolerate abandoned or poorly executed projects, insisting that contractors must deliver value for public funds committed to infrastructure development.
“I have directed that the contractor handling the Tabernacle Road project must complete the work by the end of July. If that deadline is not met, we will revoke the contract and hand it over to another company capable of delivering the project,” he said.
The governor disclosed that he had confronted the contractor over the prolonged delay and received assurances that the project would be completed before the deadline.
Eno also challenged companies operating along the corridor, particularly multinational firms benefiting from the road, to contribute towards its development.
“If you are a company making money from that road, the Eket-Ibeno Road, why not engage the government and indicate how much you are willing to contribute towards fixing it? This road is used by multinational companies; they must support its construction. Government cannot do everything alone,” he said.
The governor said his administration had constructed 1,348 kilometres of roads since assuming office and pledged stricter monitoring of ongoing projects to ensure contractors adhere to specifications and delivery timelines.
He urged residents and stakeholders to avoid narratives that portray the state negatively, stressing that criticism should be constructive and aimed at development.
“Stop demarketing this state,” he said, while maintaining that his administration remained open to scrutiny and engagement from journalists and critics alike.
Reviewing the performance of his administration under the ARISE Agenda, Eno highlighted achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, social welfare and economic development.
He said investments in roads, bridges, drainage systems, healthcare facilities, schools, agriculture and entrepreneurship programmes were designed to stimulate growth, improve living standards and expand economic opportunities.
Responding to concerns over the proposed Science Park project, the governor said his administration was exploring a decentralised model that aligns with modern technology-driven realities.
“You cannot continue discussing a Science Park for over 20 years when a young person can sit in a room with a computer and create whatever they desire using technology,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to accountability, prudent management of resources and delivering projects that directly impact residents, describing the mandate given to his administration as a sacred responsibility. He thanked Akwa Ibom residents for their support over the past three years and called for continued collaboration to advance the state’s development agenda.
