Akwa Ibom: Assembly Complex Rehabilitation Abandoned Despite N15.47bn Budget

• The Akwa Ibom Assembly Complex has been locked for nine months with minimal rehabilitation progress despite a N15.47 billion budget.
• Governor Umo Eno's administration is simultaneously funding N248.83 billion in tourism-related projects, creating a stark contrast in project activity.
• A six-month completion timeline given by the contractor expired in April 2026, leaving the complex unfinished and lawmakers displaced.
• The roofless section of the assembly building is exposed to weather, and the premises show no active construction work.
• This situation raises concerns about public procurement adherence, fiscal responsibility, and accountability for allocated funds in Akwa Ibom.

The ongoing abandonment of the Akwa Ibom Assembly Complex rehabilitation, despite a substantial N15.47 billion budget, raises significant questions regarding fiscal responsibility and public project oversight in Nigeria.

For nine months, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex has remained largely dormant, its doors closed to lawmakers and staff who vacated the premises for a promised rehabilitation. Despite substantial budgetary provisions, visible progress on the Akwa Ibom Assembly Complex rehabilitation has been minimal, leaving the legislative building in a state of disrepair. This stagnation stands in stark contrast to the bustling activity observed on several tourism-related projects, which are reportedly receiving significant funding under Governor Umo Eno's administration.

During a visit on August 7, the assembly complex showed no signs of active construction, with a mobile crane and concrete mixer present but unused, mirroring observations from an earlier visit in June. The building's condition has remained virtually unchanged for over seven months since its occupants relocated. This lack of advancement is particularly notable given that the rehabilitation is not an unfunded endeavor; budget documents indicate a total allocation of N15.47 billion for the complex's overhaul, comprising N2.95 billion in the revised 2025 budget and an additional N12.52 billion in the 2026 budget. Meanwhile, the state is actively pursuing three hospitality initiatives, including the Ibom International Hotel and International Convention Centre, backed by a combined N248.83 billion budget, highlighting a clear divergence in project priorities.

The journey of the Akwa Ibom Assembly Complex rehabilitation began with a public commitment from Governor Umo Eno. On July 1, 2024, the Governor expressed concern over the facility's state and pledged its restoration. Over a year later, this promise transitioned into an official directive, with the Clerk of the House, NsikakAbasi Orok, issuing a circular on October 24, 2025, instructing all occupants to vacate the complex by October 27 to allow for the commencement of work.

Prior to the relocation, representatives of the contractor engaged with the House Services Committee, assuring them of a comprehensive overhaul. The contractor's representative, Ochemba Lee, confirmed that mobilization was complete and equipment had been deployed to the site, setting an ambitious six-month completion timeline. This deadline, however, passed in April 2026, and over three months later, the project remains unfinished. Lawmakers are still forced to conduct their plenary sessions at the Government House, while the assembly complex itself bears the marks of neglect, with a section where the roof was removed now exposed to the elements, its walls showing signs of weather damage. Even the football field within the premises, meant to be part of a functional legislative environment, has been repurposed for youth football matches and training, further underscoring the abandonment.

The ongoing abandonment of the Akwa Ibom Assembly Complex rehabilitation, despite a substantial N15.47 billion budget, raises significant questions regarding fiscal responsibility and public project oversight in Nigeria. The contrast with the N248.83 billion allocated to Akwa Ibom tourism projects underscores a potential misallocation of resources or a lack of commitment to critical public infrastructure. This situation highlights a concerning pattern where funds are budgeted and even reportedly mobilized, yet tangible progress remains elusive, pointing to possible breaches of public procurement guidelines and a failure in project management.

The visible inactivity at the complex, coupled with the missed deadlines and the continued displacement of the legislature, suggests a broader governance challenge. The cynical observation from a security personnel at the site, noting that even basic road repairs across the state are neglected while the assembly complex remains untouched, reflects a public sentiment of disillusionment regarding government priorities and accountability. This scenario serves as a critical example for legal professionals advising on government contracts or anti-corruption initiatives, illustrating the need for enhanced legislative scrutiny and citizen advocacy to ensure the judicious use of public funds and the timely completion of essential projects.

This report highlights potential breaches of public procurement guidelines and fiscal responsibility in Akwa Ibom, raising concerns about accountability for allocated funds and project timelines. Lawyers advising on government contracts, public finance, or anti-corruption initiatives should note this as an example of governance failure and a potential area for legislative scrutiny or citizen advocacy regarding the misuse or misallocation of public resources.

Source: Original reporting via PREMIUM TIMES.