The Unaccountable Local Government: Questions Over N10.08bn Allocation in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria - Mkpat Enin Local Government Council has come under scrutiny following a damning report by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which exposed the council’s poor management of public resources. Despite receiving a staggering N10.08 billion in statutory allocations between October 2024 and April 2026, the council has failed to maintain key public facilities, including its legislative building, raising concerns about fiscal transparency and accountability.
The committee’s findings, which were based on an inspection of the council’s facilities, revealed a deteriorating legislative block, poor surroundings, and signs of weak institutional maintenance. The report has sparked widespread outrage, with lawmakers demanding answers from the council chairman, Emmanuel Inyang, over the council’s handling of public resources.
According to data compiled by PREMIUM TIMES from published Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) reports, Mkpat Enin received N10.08 billion between October 2024 and April 2026, an average monthly allocation of N530.54 million. This amount translates to a significant increase in the council’s revenue, considering it ranks as the fourth highest revenue-earning local government in Akwa Ibom after Uyo, Essien Udim, and Ibiono Ibom.
Lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with the council’s handling of public resources, citing the poor condition of the legislative complex as a glaring example of mismanagement. During an oversight visit to the council secretariat, committee members asked the council chairman to explain why the legislative chamber had remained in such a condition. Mr Inyang’s explanation, that he had instructed the leader of the legislative council to submit a proposal for the renovation of the legislative chamber in January, failed to convince the committee.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of transparency and accountability in the council’s financial dealings. According to the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Law, local governments are required to disclose their budgets and spending records. However, Mkpat Enin Local Government has failed to provide these records, raising concerns about the council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The implications of the council’s actions are far-reaching, with potential consequences for residents and the overall governance of the state. As the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has claimed that local government areas in the state receive their monthly allocations directly without state government interference, the Mkpat Enin Local Government’s actions raise questions about the governor’s claims.
The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in local government administration, particularly in the context of the local government financial autonomy arrangement. As the council struggles to explain its handling of public resources, residents and lawmakers alike are left to wonder where the N10.08 billion allocated to the council has gone.
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has vowed to continue its oversight functions, determined to ensure that the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council accounts for its actions. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council has some explaining to do.
A History of Mismanagement?
The Mkpat Enin Local Government Council is not the first local government in Akwa Ibom State to come under scrutiny for poor management of public resources. In 2022, the council was accused of mismanaging N20 million allocated for the renovation of public facilities. The allegations led to a public outcry, with residents demanding accountability from the council.
The current situation raises concerns about the council’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As the council struggles to explain its handling of public resources, residents and lawmakers alike are left to wonder whether the council’s actions are a symptom of a broader problem.
A Call for Greater Transparency
The Mkpat Enin Local Government Council’s handling of public resources has sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in local government administration. As the council struggles to explain its actions, residents and lawmakers alike are demanding greater transparency and accountability from local governments across the state.
The incident highlights the importance of the local government financial autonomy arrangement, which is designed to ensure that local governments have greater control over their finances. However, the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council’s actions raise questions about whether the arrangement is sufficient to ensure transparency and accountability.
What’s Next?
As the situation unfolds, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will continue its oversight functions, determined to ensure that the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council accounts for its actions. Residents and lawmakers alike are watching with bated breath, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the council.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in local government administration. As the Mkpat Enin Local Government Council struggles to explain its handling of public resources, one thing is clear: the people of Akwa Ibom State deserve better.