In response to the challenging exchange rate and the need for fiscal responsibility, the Akwa Ibom State government has decided to repurpose its private jet for commercial use, aiming to mitigate the cost of governance.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ini Ememobong, disclosed this resolution following the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Monday.
Ememobong explained, “Council granted permission for the office of the Secretary to the State Government to undertake a cost reduction management structure for Akwa Ibom’s official private jet.”
The decision is grounded in the imperative of significantly reducing governance expenses and addressing the impact of the volatile exchange rate, which has led to increased maintenance costs for the private jet.
While emphasizing that the aircraft remains a state asset, the commissioner stated, “It will be put to more lucrative use.”
Additionally, Ememobong revealed that the Council was briefed on the Akwa Ibom State Social Register, which now boasts a total of 671,410 entries. Collaboration between the state government and local government council chairmen to support vulnerable individuals was also discussed.
Reports on proposed dialysis and renal centers were presented, outlining the required sites, buildings, and equipment.
The governor expressed readiness to approve the project upon receiving the final report for expedited execution.
Furthermore, the Council received updates on the Akwa Ibom-United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme, highlighting that students from rural secondary schools across the state participated in examinations, with successful candidates set to benefit from the governor’s commitment to providing them with a unique educational experience.
Addressing infrastructure, the Council ratified recommendations from the Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC) regarding the approval for releasing funds for additional works at the airport and ongoing road contracts in the state.
