New Agency Will Help Akwa Ibom Govt Avoid Unnecessary Spending – Gov Eno’s Aide

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, says the newly proposed Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency would track and maintain all government owned assets in the state to avoid unnecessary spending.

Ndueso, who disclosed this over the weekend while playing host to the leadership of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state, added that the agency, to achieve the set purpose, would create an asset register that meets international standards.

He also clarified the misconception of the Asset Management Agency being a duplication of the existing Akwa Ibom Roads and other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency, AKROIMA, saying that the former would take stock and see to the functionality of all government assets, including buildings, equipment and land.

Speaking on the proposed ‘Bulk Purchase Agency’, the governor’s aide said the board would work towards ameliorating the current food crisis in Akwa Ibom State, noting that it would give the state government the opportunity to buy foodstuff in large quantities and sell at subsidized rate to the people.

He said, “The proposed Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency, when brought into operation, will fix and maintain assets owned by the state government, including buildings, roads, equipment and land, among others.

“That Bulk Purchase Agency Bill seeks to enable government buy in large quantities and sell at reduced rate for the people of the state, and also enables government to off-take crops harvested in the state from farmers.”

Commending the Chief Press Secretary and head of the Governor’s Media Unit, Mr Ekerete Udoh, for his robust leadership role, Ndueso urged journalists to join in the campaign to encourage the people to go into agriculture, and also tap into other opportunities being initiated by the governor.

Earlier the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Bassey Anthony had commended Dr Essien Ndueso for being one of their most dependable ally in government adding that they were very proud of his penchants to hard-work and dedication to duties.