Emmanuel Seeks Partnership with Investors to Boost Akwa Ibom Economy

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has again called on investors to take advantage of the available manpower, natural resources, as well as peace and security in the state to invest and expand the state’s economy.

Emmanuel made the call while exchanging views with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 who was on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, the state capital.

He noted that a strong economy gingers sustainable growth and enhances political development, noting that Akwa Ibom State is strategically located in the Gulf of Guinea, with a drought of 17.3 meters suitable for a deep seaport which is at the fourth stage of it execution, stressing that the successful completion of the seaport would ease the constraints at the Lagos Apapa Port.

Emmanuel said the state is blessed with the longest shoreline and that plans are underway for a logistic hub to be established in the state, adding that a cargo logistic terminal would be added at the Ibom International Airport to take care of the West African sub- region.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Emir for the visit and his vision for the growth of the country’s economy and lauded the Emir’s advocacy for a national conversation that would aid in chatting a way forward for the economy of the
country.

He said the state is saturated with a number of projects that await partnership and cited the coconut refinery and cultivation project undertaken by his administration, saying that the project would boost the state economy in view of the rating of coconut product in the international market.

Emmanuel said without adequate planning, the country will be in a deep economic mess in 2030 and urged the political players to see politics as a means of development and not creating enmity for the benefit of humanity.

He prayed for a strong team that would rescue the country in the forthcoming polls and thanked the royal father for the visit.

Earlier, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II stated that he was in the state on a double mission to foster goodwill between the people of Kano and Akwa Ibom states as well as explore modalities for the smooth implementation of Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited project (QIPPL).

Sanusi said that $1 billion is to be invested in the project with Mobil Producing Nigeria partnering in the gas pipeline with additional $300 million .

He said the power plant, when completed, is expected to add 540 megawatts of electricity to the national grid and expressed optimism that with the multi billion investment in the gas project, other firms would be attracted to the state, adding that the gesture would boost the economy of Akwa Ibom and the country as well as create jobs for the teeming youths.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, frowned at the fuel subsidy funds expended by the federal government, saying that the fund should be tailored to educational development, healthcare and other infrastructures as well as stimulate economic growth to cater for the youths.

Sanusi who is also the Chairman Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited (QIPPL) congratulated Governor Emmanuel for making Akwa Ibom an investors haven with landmark infrastructures and an enduring legacy of peace and sued for a peaceful political climate, advising that no investor would like to put his money in an unsafe environment.

On hand to receive the Emir who came in company of some members of his Emirate Council were Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo, State PDP Chairman Obong Paul Ekpo, Senator Effiong Bob, Anietie Okon, Secretary to the state Government Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, State Executive Council members and Political stalwart.