Gov. Eno Inaugurates Committee on TSA, International Airport Status

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees mandated to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport as well as ensure implementation of the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.

The Governor performed the inauguration while signing into law the N1.585 Trillion 2026 budget at the Enlarged State Executive Council meeting, on Monday, January 5, in Government House, Uyo

The Committees’ establishment mark another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems while fast-tracking the completion of major development projects across Akwa Ibom State.

The members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation are: Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government- Chairman, Hon. Emem Bob , Commissioner For Finance/ Special Duties , Mr. George Uriesi, Managing Director, Ibom Air, Engr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General, with Mr. Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director, Airport Development Authority as Secretary

While the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Mr. Emem Bob Commissioner for Finance as Chairman, Mr Uko Udom,SAN
Attorney-General and Commissiner for Justice, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning as members with Mr. Okon Okon – Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service as Secretary.

Governor Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the newly- inaugurated members, noting that their expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability urging them to intensify their efforts and guarantee that all preparatory works remain on schedule.

Turning to the committee on the state’s international airport, the Governor charged its members with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kickoff in April this year.

“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realization and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026,

Governor Eno emphasized the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies.

He stated firmly that no agency of government is permitted to operate a single independent account, stressing that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.

“No agency is allowed to own its own stand-alone account. All revenue must be generated and spent through one account. This is the only way we can maintain transparency and track our resources effectively.

“Let me make it absolutely clear that no part of government will generate money and spend.

“ Please if we find out that you circumvent this instruction in any way. We will not take it kindly. All funds should go to the Treasury Single Account.

“Then the committee will give back some percentages to the MDAs as running costs. We have a huge budget of N1.5 trillion and we need these funds for the good of our people.

“As we speak, we know that Akwa Ibom is not owing any bank in this country. Not one bank.

“And we don’t intend to owe, except if it becomes absolutely necessary. And we’ll go to the House of Assembly and make our case “.

“We know there will be deficits from what we project from the federation account. We don’t intend to borrow. But we know that if we are honest and transparent and accountable, and all of us work and support the Treasury Single Account, we’ll have more than enough to execute the budget.

“I believe we have all seen and read the second line of the release that has been put out by the Secretary to the Government on the issue.

Reaffirming the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, the Governor insisted that all MDAs must work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Emem Bob.

He maintained that tenement rates will be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.

“Like I said yesterday, we have waived tenement rates for previous years, only for those who will pay their own between now and March.

“So the committee will soon publish the rates for the different categories, and you just have to go and pay. The rate is not much nd when you pay early, we won’t ask you for the previous ones.

“But if you wait until we close, then you are owing previous ones”.

“This is the way it is done everywhere. Once we are able to generate more funds through legally- sanctioned means, we can thereafter deploy such funds for the common good of all.“