By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has spent over N4 billion in compensation to host communities and property owners to resolve long-standing land acquisition issues across strategic project locations in the State over the last one year.
The Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Dr. Ubong John Inyang, disclosed this on Tuesday in Uyo during the ongoing inter-ministerial briefing evaluating achievements recorded under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Inyang explained that the disbursed funds cover acquisitions for Ibom Medical City, the new Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System (AKWAGIS) headquarters, the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation complex, the State Command and Control Centre, and multiple judicial quarters.
“We have also established a Land Conflict Resolution Desk to encourage alternative dispute resolution,” Inyang said, revealing that the initiative has successfully facilitated the out-of-court settlement or withdrawal of over 100 pending land cases.
To modernise land administration, Inyang announced the formal rollout of AKWAGIS following recent executive assent, transitioning title verification, Certificate of Occupancy processing, and revenue collection to fully digitized platforms.
He added that urban planning frameworks are undergoing comprehensive reviews across primary growth corridors, including Uyo, Eket, Oron, and Ikot Ekpene, to curb illegal developments and enforce strict building regulations.
Highlighting complementary developments in shelter delivery, Commissioner for Housing Dr. Henry Archibong reported that over 1,050 residential units have been constructed across the state.
Archibong emphasized that over 75 percent of the state’s total housing stock is dedicated to social housing programmes tailored specifically to down-trodden and vulnerable citizens.
“Housing has gone beyond putting roofs over people’s heads, but encompasses creating an ecosystem of houses that are affordable, sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable,” Archibong stated during his presentation.
He noted that key housing projects nearing completion include the 100-unit Aviation Village Phase 1 at 98 percent, the 103-unit Medical Doctors’ Residence in Itam Medical City at 70 percent, and 54 units of Judiciary Quarters.
Archibong further disclosed that 461 out of 500 targeted ARISE Compassionate Homes have been fully completed and handed over to underprivileged beneficiaries across various local government areas.
To support future residential expansion, the state government has earmarked approximately 150 hectares of land across six locations, ensuring all estates feature perimeter fencing, paved roads, continuous power, and reticulated water.
On public health infrastructure, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo announced that site selections have been finalized for solar-powered, reticulated water schemes spanning all 369 electoral wards.
Ubuo confirmed that the State Executive Council approved the procurement of critical components to guarantee that every ward obtains direct access to clean, sustainable water sources under the state’s master plan.
Citing national WASH NORM survey figures, Ubuo revealed that access to improved water sources in Akwa Ibom surged from 35.8 percent to 78.5 percent, while access to improved sanitation rose to 71.2 percent.
He added that the ministry has finalized its comprehensive WASH Policy roadmap, aiming to systematically eliminate open defecation and achieve full Open Defecation Free status state-wide by 2030.
Opening the session, Information Commissioner Dr. Aniekan Umanah reaffirmed the administration’s focus on grassroots accountability through regular press engagements.
The Chief Press Secretary who also spoke at the event commended the journalists for their supportive role for the State Governor in the task of building the State.
