In a bid to cut down on the cost of governance, the Akwa Ibom State Government has decided to put the state-owned private jet to commercial use.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, disclosed this in a statement made available to Kristina Reports on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He informed that the decision is predicated on the high cost of maintaining the plane which has been necessitated by the constant spike and fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar.

He explained that the decision which was made at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024, was not made lightly as it has become necessary due to the volatile exchange rate in the country.

“Council granted permission for the office of the Secretary of State Government to undertake a cost reduction management structure for the Akwa Ibom official jet.”

The Bombardier model Jet, which was acquired during the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio is said to require a lot more money for maintenance due to the horrendous situation of the economy thus necessitating the decision of the SEC to commercialize the jet.

“This decision is predicated by the need for a drastic reduction in the cost of governance, the volatile exchange rate and the corresponding increase in the price of maintaining the jet.” “While the aircraft will remain the state’s asset, it will be put to more lucrative use.”