Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has approved fresh steps to recover its share of dividends from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company and other unremitted oil revenues due to the state from 1999 to date.
This was part of the key decisions taken at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the state is entitled to NLNG dividends and oil proceeds as a shareholder in the federation’s assets.
He explained that the recovery process involves complex oil and gas financial reconciliations, which require professional expertise.
“To this end, EXCO approved the engagement of TIARAS White Consult Limited to carry out the review, reconciliation, and recovery of the funds.”
“The firm, which had previously been on a 10 percent consultancy commission, will now work at 15 percent, payable only on successfully recovered funds,” he said.
Mr. Omebeh said, “The decision underscores government’s determination to ensure that every money due to Ebonyi State from the federation account is recovered and deployed for development.”
He added that the administration remains committed to fiscal prudence, transparency, and maximizing all revenue sources available to the state.
Hospital construction, acquisition
In the health sector, Omebeh said the Council approved the construction of an ultra-modern clinic within the Ebonyi State Government House at a cost of ₦3.51 billion.
The facility, to be executed by PDoings Integrated Services Limited, is envisioned as a world-class medical centre, serving both as an emergency response unit for government officials and as a model health facility for the state.
Omebeh said the Council also approved a proposal to acquire the Pentecost Foundation Hospital, Ezzamgbo, including its equipment and staff, for ₦250 million, with a view to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
Contract termination
In education, the Commissioner said the Council deliberated on the report of its committee monitoring Model Secondary School projects.
He announced that the Council expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some contractors and directed the immediate termination of the poorly handled projects.
Water, road constructions
On water resources, Mr. Omebeh said the Council approved ₦432.8 million for the extension of reticulation pipelines to key parts of Abakaliki metropolis.
These include the Ochudo Centenary City, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Complex through Odunukwe Street, as well as Aguogboriga and Mile 50–Ugwuachara layouts.
In the area of works and infrastructure, Omebeh said the Council received the report of the committee on the re-evaluation of properties affected by the ongoing multidimensional flyover project at Vanco Junction, Abakaliki, which it commended.
He said the Council further approved the sum of ₦1.38 billion for the rehabilitation of 4,308 metres of internal and peripheral roads within the Ebonyi State University, PRESCO Campus.
It also endorsed ₦600 million for the construction of 2.169 kilometres of road at the Hatchery Layout in Abakaliki.
