Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is facing criticism after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a United Kingdom-based consultancy, Aleph Technical and Advisory Services, to manage state-owned hotels. The agreement was signed over the weekend at the Government House in Uyo. The move comes months after the governor publicly stated that his administration would not hand over the management of the state’s hospitality assets to third-party operators.
The controversy began following reports of the MoU signing between the Akwa Ibom State Government and Aleph. The agreement covers the management of major hospitality facilities owned by the state. Critics argue that the decision contradicts the governor’s earlier position on the issue.
In September last year, Governor Eno cancelled an existing management arrangement involving Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort. The franchise had been contracted in 2020 to manage the state’s flagship hotel in Uyo after Starwood Hotels and Resorts exited its agreement with the government.
At the time of the cancellation, Eno stated that his administration would not entrust the management of the state’s hospitality investments to contract managers. During an inspection of renovation work at the hotel, he said the government would instead develop its own brand. He added that professionals, including Akwa Ibom indigenes and other experts, would be assembled to manage the facilities internally.
The recent signing of the MoU with Aleph has therefore drawn criticism from opposition figures, particularly members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. They have accused the governor of policy inconsistency and questioned the rationale behind the apparent shift in direction.
Details of the agreement were released by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor. According to the statement, the MoU covers four state-owned hospitality facilities. These include Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene, Ibom International Hotel, and Arise Palm Resort.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Eno reportedly told the Aleph delegation that Akwa Ibom has strong potential as a tourism destination. He assured the consultants of his administration’s support to ensure the success of the partnership. He expressed optimism that effective management would enhance the performance of the facilities.
The leader of the Aleph team, Jad Shamseddin, said the firm conducted an assessment of the facilities over several days. He noted that the hotels were constructed to standard and possess significant strengths. However, he acknowledged that there were weaknesses that would need to be addressed.
Shamseddin expressed confidence that with certain adjustments, the facilities could achieve improved results. He stated that a formal Hotel Management Agreement would be signed after the completion of due diligence. The MoU serves as a preliminary framework ahead of that final agreement.
Reacting to the development, Dr Tom Fredfish, a chieftain of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, said the governor owes residents an explanation. Fredfish is the Chairman of PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice. He described the situation as a reversal of a previously firm public position.
Fredfish stated that changing strategy is not inherently problematic. However, he argued that reversing a clearly stated policy without public clarification raises legitimate concerns. According to him, transparency is essential in governance, particularly when dealing with public assets.
He noted that if the governor reconsidered his earlier stance and concluded that professional management was necessary, the administration should clearly outline the reasons for the change. Doing so, he said, would help address public doubts and restore confidence. He added that citizens deserve to know what factors influenced the new decision.
The development has sparked debate within the state’s political landscape. While the government maintains that the partnership is aimed at improving the hospitality sector and boosting tourism, critics continue to question the consistency of policy decisions.
As discussions continue, attention is expected to focus on the outcome of the due diligence process and the eventual signing of the formal Hotel Management Agreement. The state government has yet to issue a detailed response addressing the concerns raised by opposition figures.
For now, the agreement with Aleph marks a significant shift in the management approach for Akwa Ibom’s hospitality assets. Whether the move will yield the anticipated improvements remains to be seen.
