N60bn released to Ibom Air to acquire two CRJ900 aircrafts – Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced the release of N60 billion from the state government’s coffers to Ibom Air for the acquisition of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.

This move is part of the state’s efforts to support the airline’s expansion and improve air transportation in the region.

Governor Eno made this announcement during a meeting with the socio-cultural organization, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. He emphasized that the state’s ability to fund this project without external loans demonstrates his administration’s prudent management of government funds.

According to Governor Eno, “Our state must have an investment fund. We must deliberately and intentionally put away funds to reinvest and put our state amongst the states that will continue to take the lead.” He also noted that relying on external loans would lead to perpetual indebtedness, benefiting creditors at the expense of the state’s people.

In addition to the aircraft acquisition, Governor Eno revealed that N35 billion will be paid to beneficiaries of the backlog of gratuity arrears by the end of September 2024. This payment represents nearly 50% of the accumulated backlog.

The governor commended Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for their role in uniting the various ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State. The organization’s International President, Akparawa James Edet, expressed support for Governor Eno’s second term, citing his impressive development agenda, ARISE.