Akwa Ibom Looks Beyond Oil, Targets Agric Products For Export

To diversify the local economies, the Akwa Ibom State government has looked inward to harness non-oil resources, especially cocoa, maritime and agricultural products for export.

Speaking in an interview with Journalists, the new Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd), said it was time to reinvigorate the State economy through enhanced business and trade policy driven by Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities: The Role of Trade and Investment in the Arise Agenda,” the commissioner, just reassigned from the Ministry of Lands, End Town Planning, said legislation was in the works to create the enabling environment for local businesses to thrive.

He said: “The governor’s ARISE Agenda is more than a blueprint—it is a call to action, rooted in pragmatism and people-focused development.

“This agenda recognises trade and investment as key pillars for achieving sustainable economic growth, job creation, and inclusive prosperity. Our ministry, therefore, occupies a strategic position in translating these aspirations into measurable outcomes.

“As a ministry, our mission is clear: to facilitate investments that drive local content, value addition, and industrialisation.

“To support Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) and create an enabling environment where small businesses can thrive and promote Akwa Ibom as a top investment destination in Nigeria and beyond as well as build productive partnerships with the private sector and development institutions.”
For ease of doing business, the commissioner said his ministry was working in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) towards reviewing regulatory frameworks and processes “to make it easier for investors to do business in Akwa Ibom.”

He assured of scaling up access to finance, training, and market opportunities for MSMEs across the 31 local government areas, create Industrial Cluster Development (ICD) in line with the administration’s focus on rural development.

“We will encourage the establishment of small-scale industries and agro-processing hubs in key zones.

as we embark on a comprehensive investment road map to be unveiled soon, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, tourism, aviation, power, tourism, maritime, manufacturing, and ICT.

“We will work to facilitate trade and export growth by unlocking access to regional and international markets for Akwa Ibom products, especially non-oil exports, trade fairs, promotions and exhibitions,” he stressed.

According to him, investment desks would be opened in liaison offices in Abuja and Lagos to compile the Investment and Trade Compendium.