By RismadarVoice Reporter
December 3, 2025
Akwa Ibom State Government on Wednesday held a high-level entry meeting with a joint World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) mission to explore new areas of partnership, including proposed urban infrastructure development projects across the State.
The strategic meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, was led by the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Emem Almond Bob.
In his remarks, Mr. Bob commended the World Bank for its long-standing support to the State, noting that several transformative projects such as NEWMAP Phase II and the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) are at various stages of commencement due to the institution’s intervention.
Describing the session as an “entry meeting,” he explained that it marks the beginning of a broader engagement process that will include project scoping and an eventual exit meeting.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government is privileged to be selected as one of the pilot states for this new project. It is important for you to understand the scope and for us to know the eligibility criteria and the opportunities available for collaboration,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that the mission is multisectoral, involving ministries such as Lands, Finance, Environment, Water Resources, and Works, all key drivers of Governor Umo Eno’s economic blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.
He highlighted the State’s major investments in tourism, including the ongoing construction of one of West Africa’s largest convention centres. According to him, the Governor is committed to leveraging tourism to diversify the economy, generate revenue, and reduce dependence on oil.
“Tourism development is a major policy plank of the government. The Governor is opening up strategic tourist sites that will boost revenue, create jobs, and drive long-term economic expansion. This is one area we can partner,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, underscored the need for stronger waste management systems in the State.
He revealed that Akwa Ibom generates about 30 tons of solid waste daily, adding that effective recycling across organic and plastic waste streams could unlock significant economic value.
Ekong also raised concerns over life-threatening erosion sites across the State. While commending NEWMAP’s contributions to erosion control, he expressed hope that the new partnership will attract fresh interventions.
Setting the tone for the discussions, the State Coordinator for the World Bank Mission, Dr. Ubong Harrison, said the visit aims to begin a strategic dialogue on sustainable urban infrastructure solutions.
“We are here to engage the State Government, understand its challenges across the 9–10 infrastructure-based ministries, aggregate the information presented, and take it back to the World Bank as part of our report,” he said.
He added that the World Bank/IFC team will brief the State on available funding windows, partnership frameworks, and collaboration opportunities ahead of a final debriefing with Governor Umo Eno.
