AKSG Press Release: Akwa Ibom UK Unveils Investment Potential

By Aniekan Umanah
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria

Posted: October 17, 2012

Governor Godswill Akpabio has called on European investors to make haste in coming to explore the limitless opportunities that abound in Akwa Ibom, as his administration has prepared the State for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

The Governor made the call while addressing participants at the Akwa Ibom Economic Summit and Investment Expo 2012 in London, last weekend , where he was represented by his deputy, Mr. Nsima Ekere.

According to Chief Akpabio, "everything is in place and the state brims with hope and investment opportunities," adding that, "our aggressive industrialization of our state and war on decayed infrastructure has set us apart from other administrations."

Explaining that his administration had laid a solid base for the industrial development of Akwa Ibom, he pointed out that the state�s budget �in the last five years has been 80% on capital expenditure and 20% on recurrent expenditure" and mentioned that the state was not only blessed with abundant human and natural resources, but also, that the people enjoy more trust and have a reputation for integrity and honor.

The noble dreams of Akwa Ibom people and the visionary approach of his administration, the Governor said, is what has led to the uncommon transformation of the state in all ramifications.

According to him, "the transformation of our state in terms of road construction has been one of our most hailed accomplishments." So far, he said over 295 roads have been constructed, covering over 1000km throughout the state. Additionally, several bridges have been built, with more than five concentric flyovers constructed in the state.

On electricity, Chief Akpabio explained that while average electricity coverage in Africa is about five per cent and Nigeria, about 17 per cent coverage, Akwa Ibom has achieved 85 per cent coverage. The target of his government he said �is to achieve a hundred percent coverage before 2015." With the completion of the first phase of Ibom Power Plant, which currently generates 191 megawatts, the state, according to him, is releasing power to the national grid.

Speaking on the Akwa Ibom International Airport, the Governor said although his administration met an airport project which was at site-clearing level, the project was pursued to a logical conclusion because of its importance to Akwa Ibom people. He mentioned that the airport was completed with 3.6 km runway, first class facilities and aviation aids. The state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility of the airport, he said, "would cater for and exceed the aviation needs of the West African region."

To drive the tourism initiative and create employment for the teeming youths, Governor Akpabio explained that his administration had embarked on the building of world class hospitality complex, Tropicana Entertainment Centre, with a galleria, Cineplex, shopping mall, 250 rooms five star hotel among other accompaniments.

Explaining the uniqueness of the Ibom Industrial City as a self-sustaining city, Governor Akpabio said it would be an industrial mix of oil and gas-based support services, dockyard and watercraft repair facilities, fertilizer plant, oil refinery, gas-to-liquid projects, petrochemical industries, power plant and deep seaport, complete with schools, hospitals, shopping malls and hotels.

Chief Akpabio mentioned that, as one of its kind in Africa, the facility, when fully operational, Ibom Industrial City would employ over 100,000 people and place Akwa Ibom on the oil and gas map of the world as well as open up the state as one of the gateways to the world in the Gulf of Guinea and the West African sub region.

Affirming his confidence in Akwa Ibom and its people, Governor Akpabio emphasized that �buried in our shores are gold mines that have not yet been mined; stories that have not yet been told and; treasures that have not yet been found." He expressed his conviction that �Akwa Ibom is the next Dubai in the making."

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, who chaired the Business Session of the summit, commended the Akwa Ibom Diaspora Network (AIDN) for the initiative to further discussion on industrialization in Akwa Ibom.

He recalled that the administration of Governor Akpabio had laid the infrastructural foundation for sustainable industrial economy and had also made financial commitments to encourage investments in the state. Mr. Umana called on investors to take full advantage of the business opportunities that abound in Akwa Ibom State.

Corporate organizations that included Harting Group of Companies, The CampAmazing 5 Star vision, Council of French Investment in Africa (CIAN), made presentations covering areas like Agriculture, Deep Seaport, Manufacturing, Health, Sewage Management and Development. They all expressed investment interest in Akwa Ibom state.

At a Special Gala Nite held in honour of Governor Akpabio, an anniversary cake was cut to make the 25th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom.

The well attended event had participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and was graced by the Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Senators Ita Enang and Anietie Okon; the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon; Members of the House of Representative, including Hon. Dan Akpan and Hon. Saviour Udoh.

Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Information & Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah and his Housing & Urban Renewal counterpart, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, as well as the Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Engr. Etido Inyang, among other dignitaries.