“This is Criminal”: Nigerians React to Akwa Ibom Governor Allocating N1.3bn for Unity Park Fencing, N20bn for Private Jet Maintenance

The Akwa Ibom State Government has allocated N1.3 billion to construct a perimeter fence around its Unity Park in Uyo, the state capital. The provision is part of a N955 billion budget approved for 2025. This fence is allocated under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is designed for land designated for recreational and hotel use.

Compared to the N40 million allocated for the project in 2023, the 2024 budget saw an explosive 3,000 per cent increase. The total cost of the Unity Park development, including a 20,000-seat amphitheatre, VIP lounge, and general toilets, stands at N3.15 billion, with the fence alone accounting for N1.3 billion.

The hefty allocation has drawn criticism, with some social media users questioning the priorities of the state government. Citizens, including Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, have pointed out that the funds could be better spent on schools and hospitals, which are seen as more critical for the state’s development. Effiong called the spending “criminal,” noting that such large sums should not go toward a fence when essential public services remain underfunded.

This is the so-called fence at Unity Park in Uyo that Governor Umo Eno, who claims to be a ‘pastor’, budgeted N1.3 billion for. Can you imagine the number of schools and hospitals that the money can be used to fund? This smells of money laundering”, he remarked.

Other questionable budget increases and lavish expenditures compound the criticism surrounding the Unity Park fence. The budget for the repair and maintenance of the Governor’s private jet was, for instance, increased from N8 billion to N20 billion.

The purchase of 19 ambulances by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, initially set at N1 billion, has been increased to N1.9 billion. The cost for 18 new buses grew from N1.7 billion to N3.06 billion. Similarly, the budget for hosting special events, including Democracy Day celebrations, was boosted from N500 million to N1.5 billion. The provision for the Ibom Community Watch security equipment has also dramatically risen, going from N1 billion to N7 billion.

The revised budget raises questions about the government’s priorities, as it shows significant increases in spending on luxury and non-essential items while residents grapple with hardship.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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