The Akwa Ibom State Government says it would soon unveil a “comprehensive” investment roadmap that could point potential investors to agriculture, tourism, aviation, power, tourism, maritime, manufacturing, and ICT opportunities in the oil-rich state.
Iniobong Ekong, the state’s commissioner for trade and investment, disclosed this to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, 17 September.
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The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, recently moved Mr Ekong, a retired army captain, from the Ministry of Land to the Ministry of Trade and Investment.
“We are reviewing regulatory frameworks and processes to make it easier for investors to do business in Akwa Ibom,” Mr Ekong said, listing his ministry’s focus in the coming months.
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Mr Ekong said his ministry would collaborate with relevant agencies to scale up access to finance, training, and market opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises across all local government areas in Akwa Ibom, and also encourage the establishment of small-scale industries and agro-processing hubs in key zones, in line with Governor Eno’s focus on rural development.
“We will work to unlock access to regional and international markets for Akwa Ibom products, especially non-oil exports, trade fairs, promotions and exhibitions,” the commissioner said.
He said the ministry would establish investment desks in the Akwa Ibom liaison offices in Abuja and Lagos and compile an investment and trade compendium to provide necessary information to potential investors.
Mr Ekong thanked Governor Eno for “entrusting” him “with the mandate to steer this critical ministry”.
“The governor’s Arise Agenda is more than a (development) blueprint—it is a call to action, rooted in pragmatism and people-focused development.
“This agenda recognises trade and investment as key pillars for achieving sustainable economic growth, job creation, and inclusive prosperity. Our ministry, therefore, occupies a strategic position in translating these aspirations into measurable outcomes,” he said.
Mr Ekong described journalists as “the bridge between policy and the people”, and called on the media to support the Governor Eno administration.
“As we roll out reforms and programmes, we will count on you to help us tell the Akwa Ibom story as championed by Governor Eno.
“As a ministry, we are committed to positive collaboration and consistent communication with the media and the public.
“Akwa Ibom is ready for business,” he said.
Electricity crisis
Like many other states in Nigeria, the seemingly endless electricity crisis in Akwa Ibom is crippling social life and businesses in the state.
On Thursday, the Akwa Ibom State Government held a summit to discuss how to tackle the electricity crisis.
In his remarks while inaugurating the summit, Governor Eno lamented the paradox of abundant energy resources and a state-owned Ibom Power plant that has yet to deliver optimal service despite its 191MW installed capacity and billions of naira invested in its operation.
READ ALSO: Electricity not luxury, but a right’ – Gov Eno at Akwa Ibom electricity summit
“Our vision for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principle – electricity must not be seen as a luxury. It is a fundamental enabler of modern life,” the governor said.
“When a rural health clinic has steady power, lives are saved. When our farmers can process and store their produce, income rises. When our artisans have reliable energy, productivity soars. When our children can study under good lighting, the future becomes even brighter,” Mr Eno added.
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