UYO, Akwa Ibom — Questions over public spending and project priorities are mounting in Akwa Ibom State as the government continues major investments in tourism and hospitality projects while rehabilitation work at the State House of Assembly complex remains incomplete.

According to a PREMIUM TIMES investigation, the Akwa Ibom State Government approved a combined ₦15.47 billion between 2025 and 2026 for the rehabilitation and remodelling of the State House of Assembly complex in Uyo.

The project was expected to cover reroofing, ceiling replacement, tiling, painting, structural remodelling, office construction, library facilities, parking areas and other improvements.

However, the rehabilitation reportedly remained unfinished after the initial six-month completion period had expired, forcing lawmakers to continue holding plenary sessions outside the Assembly complex.

The development has attracted additional attention because of the scale of government expenditure on tourism and hospitality projects across the state.

Among the projects is the state-owned Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, for which about ₦26.91 billion was reportedly budgeted between 2025 and 2026 for refurbishment, furnishing and renovation of its electrical and mechanical facilities.

The government has also made substantial budgetary provisions for the Ibom ARISE Park and Resort, with allocations reportedly reaching about ₦30.2 billion across the 2025 and 2026 budgets.

The ARISE Park and Resort project is expected to feature recreational facilities, accommodation, artificial lakes, a golf course and other tourism attractions as part of the administration’s broader plan to position Akwa Ibom as a major tourism destination.

The state government has maintained that its investment in tourism and infrastructure forms part of its wider economic development agenda, aimed at attracting visitors, creating employment and expanding economic opportunities.

However, the continued delay in completing the Assembly complex has raised questions over project execution, procurement transparency and the government’s spending priorities.

The situation may further intensify public scrutiny over whether major projects are being executed within approved budgets and completion timelines, particularly as billions of naira continue to be committed to new tourism and hospitality developments.

Source: PREMIUM TIMES