UYO, NIGERIA — Concerns are mounting over the lack of transparency surrounding the ₦30 billion ARISE Palm Resort and Park project, a flagship tourism development under the administration of Governor Umo Eno. While state officials celebrate the architectural feat of transforming a former dangerous ravine behind the Government House into a world-class leisure hub, independent findings reveal that the project is heavily shrouded in administrative secrecy.
The multi-billion-naira project, spanning a massive 70 hectares, features an artificial lake, a 9-hole golf course, luxury apartments, and roller coasters. However, an investigation by the Premium Times has exposed critical violations of open-governance principles, as the government continues to withhold information regarding how the massive ₦30 billion budget is being spent.
A Mega-Project Built in the Dark
According to official procurement standards and the state’s Bureau of Public Procurement guidelines, capital projects of this magnitude require public competitive bidding to ensure value for taxpayers’ money. Yet, the Eno administration has failed to disclose:
- The Main Contractors: The specific construction firms executing the multibillion-naira project have not been officially gazetted or published.
- The Bidding Process: There is zero public record showing that an open, competitive bidding process occurred before the commencement of the project.
- Cost Breakdowns: The state has provided no granular fiscal data on how the ₦30 billion valuation was reached, or how funds are apportioned between different phases.
Public Relations vs. Open Accountability
The secrecy stands in stark contrast to the aggressive public relations campaign surrounding the site. In May 2026, Governor Eno—accompanied by a large entourage of commissioners and aides—embarked on a late-night inspection tour, riding the newly installed roller coasters to signal that the project is nearing completion.
While state-backed media groups like the Uyo Media Group praise the “waste-to-wealth” transformation of the dangerous gully erosion site into an asset, civil society groups warn that using “good intentions” to bypass strict accountability frameworks sets a dangerous precedent.
The government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aleph Technical and Advisory Services for the private commercial management of the resort. However, the foundational contracts that built the resort remain hidden behind closed doors.
Demands for Disclosure
As the government pushes forward with an expected grand opening, accountability advocates are demanding full disclosure under the Freedom of Information framework. Critics argue that a project funded entirely by Akwa Ibom public resources cannot be treated as a private corporate venture. Without clear, verifiable data on the contractors and contract values, the ₦30 billion ARISE Park risks being remembered as much for its lack of transparency as for its roller coasters.
Join our Channel...