RismadarVoice Reporters
March 5, 2026
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to commence the restoration of the historic Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong on Thursday.
The House also directed its Committee on Tourism to ensure strict implementation of the restoration project.
Presenting the motion, Prince Akpabio described the Amalgamation House as a national monument of immense historical significance, noting that it was the building where Lord Frederick Lugard signed the document on January 1, 1914, which formally merged the Northern and Southern Protectorates to create modern-day Nigeria.
He further recalled that the facility also served as the venue where the ceasefire agreement that ended the Nigerian Civil War was signed in January 1970, making it a site of both national unity and reconciliation.
The lawmaker expressed concern that despite its historic importance and tourism potential, the building has fallen into severe disrepair, with crumbling walls and an overgrown environment, effectively leaving the monument abandoned.
He reminded the House that the state government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, had in 2024 indicated plans to restore the site, as reported by The Punch newspaper on September 20, 2024.
However, Akpabio noted that more than a year after the announcement, no visible restoration work has commenced, while the structure continues to deteriorate.
According to him, restoring the Amalgamation House would not only preserve a critical part of Nigeria’s history but also boost tourism development in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
Following deliberations, the House adopted the motion and called on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to undertake the restoration and preservation of the historic monument, while mandating the relevant committee to monitor compliance.
