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By Emmanuel James
When the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Johnny Baxter, arrived in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state capital with his delegation, it wasn’t just a diplomatic courtesy call. It was a clear signal that Akwa Ibom, under Governor Pastor Umo Eno, is emerging as one of Nigeria’s most promising sub-national destinations for global partnerships and foreign investment. The reception at the Government House, Uyo, was warm, but the discussions went far beyond formal pleasantries. On the table were critical issues of investment, infrastructure, and development, with both sides affirming their interest in deeper cooperation.
Governor Eno began by situating the visit within the long-standing historical relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. “This special relationship has also been extended to the sub-nationals, like ours,” he said, referencing the State’s collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute, particularly in tourism development. He reminded the delegation that Akwa Ibom has also benefited from educational exchanges with the UK, citing how the State had sponsored underprivileged secondary school students to the United Kingdom for exposure and learning. For the governor, these initiatives are not merely symbolic but represent investments in human capital — shaping a generation that understands its limitless possibilities.
Mr. Baxter, who admitted he had “long been looking forward” to visiting Akwa Ibom, was quick to express his admiration for what he had seen. “I have barely been here for 24 hours but already the infrastructure, the roads, are very clearly impressive, and just looking at the scenery here, how green and lush Akwa Ibom is, I can really see the agriculture potential of the State and other investments,” he said.
But one aspect of Akwa Ibom particularly caught his attention: Ibom Air. “To my mind, it feels like one of the best flight carriers for the country in so many ways and everyone should be extraordinarily proud of Ibom Air,” he noted, describing the airline as a model for efficiency and service in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
His remarks echoed the sentiments of many Nigerians who regard Ibom Air as one of the most reliable domestic carriers, a feat that underscores the State’s commitment to excellence. Governor Eno used the opportunity to share the philosophy behind his administration’s policies, the ARISE Agenda, a strategic plan that prioritizes Agriculture, Rural development, Infrastructure maintenance, Security management, and Education advancement.
From industrial hubs to rural roads, the agenda is designed to make Akwa Ibom self-sustaining, economically vibrant, and attractive to investors. The governor emphasized that Akwa Ibom is not only building for today but also laying the foundation for a diversified economy less dependent on oil revenues.
One of the focal points of Governor Eno’s presentation was the State’s effort to establish special economic and industrial zones. Liberty Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone: Positioned to leverage Akwa Ibom’s hydrocarbon wealth while creating jobs and opportunities; Ibom Industrial City: A bold initiative to attract manufacturers and provide a one-stop hub for industrial operations, and Itam Industrial Park in Uyo: Designed with sustainability in mind, the governor disclosed that the State is exploring off-grid power solutions to ensure reliable energy for investors.
“We want to work with an investor to power the Park so that it can run off-grid and provide power to industries that want to operate there,” he explained. For Baxter and his team, this was music to the ears. Unreliable power supply has long been one of the biggest barriers for investors in Nigeria, and Akwa Ibom’s proactive approach signals its readiness to address such bottlenecks.
Governor Eno highlighted several upcoming projects designed to place Akwa Ibom firmly on Nigeria’s tourism and aviation map, like the Aviation Ecosystem: Akwa Ibom is the first sub-national in Nigeria to build an integrated aviation hub. Apart from Ibom Air, the State is completing its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, alongside a new digital international terminal. “We would like to look for opportunities for professional hands that can help manage that MRO and our new terminal,” the governor said.
Likewise, the delegation visited the multi-billion Naira ARISE Resort, a 70-hectare ravine transformed into a stunning tourism facility under the Umo Eno administration. This project has been hailed as one of the State’s “first wonders,” reflecting the governor’s passion for turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
Plans are equally underway for the Ibom Convention Centre, the Ikot Ekpene International Market, and other projects designed to make Akwa Ibom not only a business destination but also a cultural and commercial hub.
Mr. Baxter made it clear that the British government is particularly interested in agriculture and tourism, two sectors where Akwa Ibom has both natural and policy-driven advantages.
With vast arable land, fertile soil, and a lush green environment, Akwa Ibom is well-positioned for agribusiness. The governor’s ARISE Agenda aligns perfectly with this, as it prioritizes food security and agricultural value chains. On tourism, Baxter’s praise for the State’s natural beauty and the ARISE Resort pointed to opportunities for British investors to tap into eco-tourism, hospitality, and entertainment.
The visit was not just about exchanging compliments. It was about setting the stage for concrete partnerships. Governor Eno emphasized that his administration is open to working with credible investors who share the State’s vision. He pointed to existing collaborations, such as with the Tony Blair Institute, as examples of how partnerships can yield meaningful outcomes.
Baxter, on his part, assured that the British High Commission would continue to promote trade between British companies and Nigerian states, with Akwa Ibom now firmly on its radar. This visit is significant not just for Akwa Ibom but also for Nigeria. At a time when sub-nationals are increasingly expected to drive their own economic growth, Akwa Ibom is positioning itself as a model of self-reliant development.
By showcasing projects like Ibom Air, the MRO, the ARISE Resort, and industrial hubs, the State is demonstrating that Nigeria’s future lies not only in Abuja or Lagos but also in forward-looking states willing to innovate. As the British delegation wrapped up its visit with tours of key projects, the message was clear: Akwa Ibom is open for business.
Governor Umo Eno’s vision under the ARISE Agenda is to create an environment where infrastructure, policy, and peace converge to attract investment. From agriculture to aviation, from industrial parks to tourism resorts, the State is offering opportunities that align with global interests. For Johnny Baxter, his admiration for Ibom Air and Akwa Ibom’s lush landscapes captured the essence of the State’s promise. For Governor Eno, the visit was a validation of his efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a sub-national powerhouse.
The road ahead will require careful planning, transparency, and sustained engagement. But if this visit is any indication, Akwa Ibom is well on its way to becoming not just a Nigerian success story but a global investment destination.
.James writes from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Quote: “With vast arable land, fertile soil, and a lush green environment, Akwa Ibom is well-positioned for agribusiness. The governor’s ARISE Agenda aligns perfectly with this, as it prioritizes food security and agricultural value chains.”
