A’Ibom Assembly Frowns At Dearth Of Work Tools, Facilities In MDAs

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, led by Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson has expressed concern about the lack of facilities and work tools in various offices during an inspection of the State Ministry of Tourism & Culture and called on the Assets Management Agency to expedite action on the inventory of government assets and liabilities and to replace them to enhance performance.

The remark was made at the weekend during an inspection visit to the Ministry as part of the committee’s oversight functions.

In the same vein, the committee was elated and highly commended the management and staff of the ministry for the large number of staff on duty even at weekends when many people go for various social events.

Rt. Hon Effiong Johnson, who also adjudged the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as the best in attendance, disclosed that he has never met such a large number of staff seated during the Committee’s routine inspections to MDAs under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

According to him, “The committee frowns at the dearth of facilities and work tools in the different offices, and we are calling on the Assets Management Agency to expedite action on the inventory of government assets and liabilities to replace them for enhanced performance and productivity by staff.

Earlier, while welcoming the committee members to the Ministry, the Honourable Commissioner in the Ministry, Dr. Anieti Udofia has said the Ministry, like most other MDAs in the State, are awaiting the report on facilities inventory gathered by the Asset Management Agency across the State to replace them for effective service delivery by staff.

Dr. Anieti Udofia intimated the Committee of the government’s plan to holistically handle the provision of work tools and facilitate MDAs in the State and expressed deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his proactive stance on workers’ welfare and service delivery.

He expressed optimism that before long, the government will provide the required work tools and facilities to staff in order to ensure a conducive working environment for effective service delivery of the ARISE Agenda.

Read also: MDAs Should Undergo Forensic Audit, Not Just NDDC—Owodiong-Idemeko

The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, and Directors during the inspection visit, thanked the Host committee members for visiting the Ministry and pledged to cultivate a mutually beneficial working relationship between the Ministry and the House Committee.

Among the House Committee delegation included: Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, Chairman/member representing Mbo state constituency and Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, Deputy Chairman/member representing Ini State constituency; Hon. Aniefiok Attah, member representing Nsit Attai State constituency; Hon. Jerry Otu, member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State constituency; and Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, member, representing Okobo State constituency.