Akwa Ibom Intensifies Seaport, Aviation Projects To Diversify Economy Beyond Oil

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil and gas through strategic investments in maritime infrastructure, aviation, hospitality, industrial development and other critical sectors.

The government said the ongoing infrastructure projects were designed to attract private investment, create employment opportunities for youths, boost internally generated revenue and strengthen the state’s position as a commercial hub in the South-South region.

The Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Emem Bob, disclosed this during the ongoing ministerial briefing at Government House, Uyo, where officials of various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) presented updates on projects and programmes under the state’s ARISE Agenda.

Bob explained that the ministry was responsible for coordinating strategic infrastructure projects, providing technical and policy direction, and collaborating with relevant MDAs to ensure timely delivery and value for money.

He said the investments were aimed at improving economic connectivity, stimulating enterprise and expanding the state’s revenue base.

On aviation infrastructure, the commissioner disclosed that the 27,173-square-metre, three-level Smart International Terminal at Victor Attah International Airport was 93 per cent complete and already operational.

The terminal, designed to accommodate up to three million passengers annually, features five passenger boarding bridges, five contact stands, self-check-in facilities, international passenger processing areas and a transit hub.

According to him, the airport recorded its maiden international flight to Accra, Ghana, in May 2026, while regular flight operations commenced in June.

He noted that the facility was expected to promote tourism, cargo transportation, commercial activities and investment while creating jobs across logistics, hospitality, real estate and airport support services.

Supporting infrastructure includes a 1.814-kilometre access road to the international terminal, drainage facilities, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar, and an international terminal apron designed to accommodate wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.

Bob added that Airbus had submitted adaptation requirements following an inspection of the MRO facility, while efforts were ongoing to secure a suitable operator.

Other aviation projects include a 14.1-kilometre high-security operational fence, a parallel taxiway, rapid-exit infrastructure, apron extension and airfield lighting systems designed to improve security and operational safety in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.

In the hospitality and conference sector, the commissioner highlighted the 63,549-square-metre Ibom International Convention Centre, which features conference and multipurpose halls, an amphitheatre, meeting rooms and parking space for 615 vehicles.

He said the facility was designed to host international conferences, exhibitions and cultural events.

Complementing the convention centre is the 13-storey Ibom International Hotel, which has 220 rooms and occupies 44,000 square metres. The hotel also features laundry facilities, parking and a solar farm.

Bob disclosed that a professional hospitality management firm had been appointed to oversee the hotel’s operations, with the expectation that it would enhance profitability, generate employment and accommodate visitors attending events at the convention centre.

He also listed the proposed ARISE Shopping City, covering 8.01 hectares, among the state’s major development projects. The facility is being developed as a regional retail destination, with supporting security buildings, gatehouses and a fire station.

Infrastructure around the Tropicana development includes access roads, a 3.5-kilometre perimeter road network and an eight-metre underground flood-control tunnel.

Other projects under the ministry’s multidisciplinary supervision include the AKICORP Corporate Building, Itam Industrial Park, AKBC House Complex, Ikot Ekpene International Market, Ibom Towers and Apartments in Lagos, hotels and apartments in Abuja, the Ibom International Hospital, a Counter-Terrorism Unit and Ewet Luxury Gardens.

On judicial infrastructure, Bob said the state government was pursuing the establishment of a Court of Appeal in Akwa Ibom to improve access to justice and stimulate economic activities through increased demand for transportation, accommodation and related services.

Seaport development targets maritime growth

Addressing developments in the maritime sector, the commissioner disclosed that the master plan and site-specific feasibility studies for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport had been completed.

He said the project’s full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council, while the process of identifying preferred bidders for its development was ongoing.

According to him, the proposed seaport, alongside the planned Ibom Industrial City, is expected to expand maritime trade, strengthen logistics operations, accelerate industrialisation and attract local and foreign investments.

Bob added that the ministry also provides technical oversight for selected projects implemented by other MDAs to ensure coordination, compliance with approved designs and prudent use of public resources.

He expressed optimism that the state’s broader infrastructure programme would increase commercial activities, improve contributions to the Treasury Single Account, boost internally generated revenue and gradually reduce dependence on oil and gas.

The commissioner commended Governor Umo Eno for the progress recorded since assuming office and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining its ARISE Agenda through the next phase, ARISE Agenda 2.0.

Airport records passenger movements as airlines plan expansion

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, Uwem Ekanem, disclosed that Victor Attah International Airport had recorded 1,998 passenger movements since attaining international status.

Ekanem said Ibom Air currently operates two scheduled weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, adding that flight frequencies would be increased as passenger demand grows.

He further disclosed that Air Peace was expected to commence domestic operations at the airport on October 23, 2026, while discussions with other prospective airlines were ongoing.

According to him, the entry of additional airlines would improve connectivity, encourage competition and strengthen the airport’s revenue generation capacity.

Ekanem also highlighted investments in a world-class medical facility and an aviation village for airport personnel, alongside plans to upgrade and automate the airport’s substation to reduce electricity costs and improve operational sustainability.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the ministerial media briefing was designed to keep residents informed about government achievements, project implementation and the impact of public investments.

He stressed the importance of the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in advancing the state’s strategic maritime infrastructure and broader economic diversification objectives.