Idongesit Mishael, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State has received a $6.2 million reward from the World Bank after emerging as one of the top-performing states in Nigeria in transparency, prudent financial management and governance reforms.
The performance-based grant, worth $6,206,745.42, was earned under the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme following the state’s performance in the 2024 assessment.
Governor Umo Eno announced the award on Wednesday during the July edition of the Monthly Covenant Service at Government House, Uyo, describing it as an independent endorsement of the reforms introduced by his administration to strengthen accountability and improve governance.
He said the recognition was not merely about the financial reward but an indication that Akwa Ibom’s efforts to manage public resources responsibly and build stronger public institutions are being acknowledged beyond the state.
“This reward confirms that transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds remain the right path for sustainable development,” the governor said.
The latest recognition comes only weeks after Akwa Ibom was ranked among Nigeria’s best-performing states in the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index, reinforcing its growing reputation for institutional reforms.
Development experts say awards of this nature are significant because they are based on measurable governance indicators and often influence how development partners, investors and international financial institutions assess states seeking support or investment.
Governor Eno said his administration would continue to prioritise reforms that improve public service delivery, strengthen government institutions and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He noted that the state has also recorded progress in other sectors, including transportation and aviation, with Ibom Air resuming scheduled international flights between Uyo and Accra.
The governor further disclosed that the first batch of 20 of the 50 newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses has arrived in the state as part of efforts to build a modern and affordable public transport system.
He also reaffirmed plans to establish Youth Development Centres in all 31 local government areas to bring skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes closer to young people.