Akwa Ibom LGA Faces Scrutiny Over N10bn Allocation Amid Poor Public Facilities

Despite receiving N10.08 billion in statutory allocations over 19 months, the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council in Akwa Ibom State faces serious questions regarding the poor condition of its legislative building and other public facilities. This situation has sparked concerns about fiscal transparency and accountability within the local administration.

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The findings raise questions about how the council has managed public resources since its administration began, especially given claims by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno that local government areas in the state receive their monthly allocations directly without state government interference.

A recent inspection by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs exposed the deteriorating state of the council's legislative block. Lawmakers described the facility's weather-beaten structure, aging roof, overgrown vegetation, and poor sanitation as signs of weak institutional maintenance, inconsistent with the direct financial autonomy granted to local governments.

The findings challenge claims by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno that local government areas receive their monthly allocations directly without state government interference. Data from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) reports shows Mkpat Enin received the substantial sum between October 2024 and April 2026, averaging over N530 million monthly, excluding internally generated revenue from major markets.

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The lawmakers described the weather-beaten structure, ageing roof, overgrown vegetation and poor maintenance as inconsistent with a local government that now receives statutory allocations directly under the local government financial autonomy arrangement.

When questioned, Council Chairman Emmanuel Inyang stated he had instructed the legislative leader to submit a renovation proposal in January, but it had not been received. The legislative leader reportedly offered no explanation for the delay, further frustrating the committee. The lawmakers also expressed concern about potential friction between the council's executive and legislative arms, warning it could hinder governance and service delivery.

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I instructed the leader of the legislative council in January to submit a proposal for the renovation of the legislative chamber but the proposal had yet to be submitted.