RismadarVoice Reporters
November 11, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government says it is saving more than ₦10 billion annually through digital payroll verification and other technology-driven reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in public service administration.
The Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, disclosed this on Tuesday, November 10, during the ongoing ministerial media briefing in Uyo, where he presented his ministry’s performance report.
According to Ekpenyong, the digital payroll verification exercise has helped identify irregularities, eliminate discrepancies and establish a more reliable database of government employees.
He explained that civil servants can now access their payroll information, monitor deductions and complete verification processes electronically.
Payroll officers have also been equipped to submit salary-related changes through a digital platform, replacing the previous paper-based system and reducing administrative delays.
The commissioner said the reforms were designed to strengthen accountability, improve financial management and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
On revenue generation, Ekpenyong disclosed that the state’s digital ticketing platform had generated ₦44.9 million from the sale of 201,889 tickets as of November 9.
He also reported that internet services introduced at Victor Attah International Airport had recorded 8,011 unique users and 5.8 terabytes of data consumption since their activation in August 2026.
According to him, the figures demonstrate growing public utilisation of the state’s digital infrastructure.
23,535 Students Benefit From Bursary Scheme
In the education sector, Ekpenyong disclosed that 23,535 students from 131 tertiary institutions had benefited from the state government’s ₦50,000 bursary programme.
The beneficiaries were drawn from all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
He further highlighted special financial assistance for students living with disabilities, with undergraduate beneficiaries receiving ₦250,000 and postgraduate students receiving ₦300,000.
The commissioner said the interventions reflected the administration’s commitment to using digital technology to improve access to government services and support educational development.
He maintained that the initiatives formed part of Governor Umo Eno’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at modernising public institutions and improving service delivery.
The ministry also highlighted the state’s expanding digital infrastructure, including a command and control facility equipped with surveillance cameras to support security monitoring.
While the government reported estimated annual payroll savings exceeding ₦10 billion, an independent audit or detailed reconciliation of the savings was not provided during the briefing.
The reported achievements underscore the administration’s stated efforts to strengthen financial accountability, expand digital access and improve public service delivery across the state.
