The paper trail behind more than a decade of road and infrastructure projects handled by Hensek Integrated Services Ltd in Akwa Ibom may soon come under public scrutiny, following a demand for the state government to release details of the contracts awarded to the indigenous construction firm.
A public affairs commentator, Ita Benedict, has asked the State Ministry of Works to make public the records of Hensek’s government contracts between January 2015 and August 2026, with particular attention to how the projects were awarded, what they cost and how much the government eventually paid.
Recall that Hensek has been associated with a number of road projects across the state, particularly in Uyo. Among the projects attributed to the company are the dualisation of Udo Udoma Avenue and works on Ekpo Obot Street, Udosen Uko Avenue, Nwaniba Road Phase One, Oron Road, Iman Street and Edet Akpan Avenue.
The company has also been linked to access roads around the Ibom Tropicana complex, internal roads at Akwa Ibom State University and township road projects in Eket and Ikot Ekpene. Its portfolio extends beyond roads to major structures, including the 21-storey Dakkada Tower in Uyo.
Benedict’s Freedom of Information request, dated August 31 and addressed to the Commissioner for Works, according to a Premium Times report, seeks the records that would enable the public to trace the history of those projects from award to completion. He is asking for tender notices, bidding documents, evaluation reports, procurement approvals, letters of award, executed agreements and bills of quantities.
The activist also wants the government to disclose the financial journey of each contract, including the initial contract sum, variations, price adjustments, payment schedules, interim valuation certificates and the total amount disbursed. Completion certificates, inspection reports and termination documents are also part of the records being requested.
The demand could provide an opportunity to compare public infrastructure spending under the administrations of former Governor Udom Emmanuel and Governor Umo Eno, while also showing whether the same procurement standards were applied consistently over the period. It could equally establish, from official records, the extent of Hensek’s involvement in state-funded projects rather than relying on claims or estimates.
The request has assumed added interest because Hensek’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Uwem Okoko, is also active in politics. Okoko is President-General of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, which mobilises support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno and the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom. Benedict said his demand is aimed at strengthening transparency and allowing citizens to see how public contracts are awarded and managed. No evidence has been established from the available information that Hensek breached procurement laws or that Okoko’s political activities influenced any contract award.
