Rismadarvoice- 13 November 2025
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold fiscal and financial reforms, noting that Akwa Ibom State is effectively domesticating national policies into tangible local wealth creation.
The Governor made this known at the Moneyline Investment Forum held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, where he was represented by a delegation led by Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah and Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor ImohAbasi Jacob.
Governor Eno, in a keynote address on the theme “Nigeria’s New Financial Landscape: Reforms, Risks and the Road to Wealth Creation” described the current period as a defining moment for Nigeria’s economy.
He emphasized that subnational governments must harness the ongoing fiscal reforms to drive productivity, innovation and inclusive economic growth within their respective states.
“The Federal Government has introduced transformative policies, including the Investment and Securities Act 2025, the Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025, new tax laws and the deregulation of the electricity market”. The Governor said.
Governor Eno highlighted that Akwa Ibom’s ARISE Agenda, a five-pillar development framework encompassing Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Expansion, Security Management and Educational Advancement is translating reform ideals into measurable impact across sectors.
According to him, the State has recorded major gains in infrastructure and enterprise promotion through flagship projects such as Ibom Air, expanded intercity road networks, introduction of CNG-powered city buses and plans for a light rail system to ease urban mobility.
He also cited maritime and industrial developments including the Ibom Deep Seaport, Ibom Industrial City and six Strategic Economic Zones, among them, the Liberty Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone as cornerstones of Akwa Ibom’s drive to attract investors and unlock its blue economy potential.
The Governor further identified tourism and agriculture as major growth drivers. He listed key ongoing projects such as the ARISE Palm Resort, the 5,000-capacity International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, ARISE Shopping City, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, and Raffia City Hotel by Four Points Sheraton.
In agriculture, initiatives like Ibom Model Farms, Dakkada Global Oil Palm, Coconut Plantations and Garri Processing Projects are helping to expand rural incomes, create jobs and promote food security.
On human capital development, Eno lauded the efforts of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (Ibom-LED), which has trained and empowered over 10,000 youths and women through grants, business incubation and mentorship programmes.
