@38: Why Akwa Ibom is the most attractive State in Nigeria (1)

By Emmanuel Nicholas

Created on 23 September 1987 by the Military Administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Akwa Ibom State has, through the concerted efforts of countless qualitative leaders and strong institutions, risen to become one of Nigeria’s most distinguished states.

This is thirty-eight years since its founding, and the state has followed an uninterrupted trajectory of progress, with each successive administration consolidating and extending the accomplishments of its predecessors.

From the formative and effective military stewardship of Wing Commander Idongesit Nkanga, through the visionary leadership of Obong (Arch.) Victor Attah, rightly regarded as the father of modern Akwa Ibom, to the earth‑shaking, uncommon transformation era of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and the superior performance of Deacon Udom Emmanuel, culminating now in the celebrated “Icon of the Golden Era” and champion of a united Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, the story of the state is a triumphant chronicle of progress rather than a litany of woes.

Many factors have made the state outstanding and distinctive; some are gifts of nature, and most have been acquired through the transformative leadership of its governors. As the state celebrates its 38th anniversary, it is fitting to highlight these broad assets.

Peace and a crime-free state
Peace and security are foundational to attracting and sustaining investment. Domestic and foreign investors look first for predictable environments where capital, people, and goods can move without excessive risk.

For Akwa Ibom, which has strong potential in oil and gas, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and manufacturing, a stable and secure environment directly translates into greater investor confidence, lower operating costs, and faster economic growth.

Akwa Ibom has one of the lowest crime rates in Nigeria; peace is institutionalized in the state. Among Nigeria’s states, it was the first to establish a dedicated Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways. Because its comparative advantage depends on secure coastal waters, the state has protected infrastructure and stable community relations. There have been virtually no incidents of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, communal disputes, or maritime insecurity.

Sustained peace and effective security management have helped the state diversify beyond extractives, attract downstream processors, agribusiness investors, and tourism operators, and increase local content and employment.

Best road network in Nigeria

One distinguishing feature that sets Akwa Ibom apart is its exemplary road infrastructure. This reputation results from a sustained, visionary commitment to road construction and dualization by successive administrations.

Foundational vision and early projects
Under Obong Victor Attah’s administration, a strong foundation was laid for a modern road network. Major projects from that era included the dualized Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road up to Itam Junction, dualized Atiku Abubakar Way, IBB Way, Edet Akpan Avenue, dualized Nsikak Eduok, Udodoma Road, Abak Road up to the Secretariat, and Nwaniba Road.

Transformation under Akpabio
When Senator Godswill Akpabio assumed office, the state entered a season of uncommon transformation. His administration completed several major dualization projects: the Itu–Calabar highway to the Itu local government headquarters, Aka–Nung Udoe Road, the Uyo–Abak Road to Abak town with a flyover on Jonathan Boulevard, full dualization of Jonathan Boulevard, Idoro Road, Airport Road, Abak–Ikot Ekpene Road, and the first phase completion of the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene dualization. His tenure also saw the construction of additional flyovers, including ones at Itam Junction and the Atiku connection.

Continuation under Udom Emmanuel
Deacon Udom Emmanuel sustained and accelerated this momentum, ensuring the state maintained its claim to the best road network in Nigeria. His administration delivered transformative works such as the dualization of Etinan–Ndoneyo Road with two cable bridges; construction of the first ten‑lane thoroughfare (Clement Isong and Idongesit Nkanga Boulevards); dualization of Ring Road 2 to Abak Road; the upgrade of Airport Road to a ten‑lane highway now bearing his name; dualization of Etinan–Eket Road, Uyo–Etinan Road; completion of the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene dualization; dualization of Eket‑Ibeno Road; various dualized roads in Eket; dualized Dakkada Secretariat Road; and the construction of the Ikot Oku Ikono flyover.

In this continuing golden era, Governor Umo Eno has embarked on a renewed and massive road‑building renaissance. Within two years of his administration, over 150 kilometers of roads have been completed, and more than 750 kilometers are currently under construction.

Major dualization projects underway include the completion phase of the Third Ring Road; Airport–Okopedi dualization; Okopedi–East–West Road dualization; over 14 kilometers in Nsit Ubium linking to the East–West Road at Eket; the dualization of the Ibom Deep Sea Port access road in Mbo LGA; Nung Udoe–Afaha Offiong Road with a flyover; extensive works on the dualization of Uyo Village Road; and the completion of the ten‑lane Udom Emmanuel Boulevard.

Beyond highways: rural connectivity and investor appeal
These highways are the most prominent arteries of the state’s network, but Akwa Ibom’s achievements extend to an extensive system of feeder and hinterland roads that link rural communities to urban centers.

Successive governments have prioritized connectivity, making the state exceptionally attractive to investors seeking efficient, reliable transport for goods and services. Good roads reduce logistics costs, shorten delivery times, and increase the competitiveness of local businesses.

The importance of good roads
Well‑constructed and well‑maintained roads are not merely aesthetic or political achievements; they are fundamental to sustainable development. Akwa Ibom’s continuous investments in comprehensive road infrastructure—from multi‑lane boulevards and flyovers to rural feeder roads—have positioned it as a model of connectivity within Nigeria.

This sustained focus on transportation infrastructure improves daily life for residents and underpins economic dynamism, security, and long‑term prosperity. Good roads are not an end in themselves; they are the vital arteries through which opportunity, growth, and well-being flow.

The cleanest state in Nigeria

Successive administrations in the state have prioritized sanitation, and maintaining the record as Nigeria’s cleanest state for more than a decade has given Akwa Ibom a durable competitive advantage.

In Nigeria—Africa’s most populous country—cleanliness is a powerful asset that improves residents’ quality of life, reduces public‑health burdens, strengthens the state brand, and attracts both tourists and investors. When linked to smart policy and targeted promotion, this reputation can be converted into jobs, higher revenues, and long‑term resilience.

This cleanliness has made the state a tourist destination. Clean beaches, streets, and heritage sites make Akwa Ibom more attractive for leisure tourists, domestic weekend travelers, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, events) tourism. Well‑maintained attractions facilitate higher‑spend tourism (hotels, restaurants, tours) and repeat visitation.

Cleaner cities raise property values, stimulate real‑estate development, and enable hospitality and retail growth. Effective waste management and sanitation reduce pollution of waterways and coastal zones, important for fisheries, aquaculture, and marine tourism. A clean environment supports long‑term ecosystem services that underpin agriculture and coastal livelihoods.

A decade‑long record as Nigeria’s cleanest state is more than a point of pride; it is an economic and strategic asset.

By explicitly linking cleanliness to investment promotion and tourism product development, Akwa Ibom can turn its reputation into sustained job creation, higher revenues, and a stronger, climate‑resilient economy.

Lastly, Akwa Ibom’s rise to prominence is the result of deliberate policy, visionary leadership, and sustained investments in security, infrastructure, and public services. Peace and effective security management have created a safe environment for people and businesses. World‑class road networks and rural connectivity have reduced costs and linked markets, while a long‑standing commitment to cleanliness has enhanced the state’s livability and tourism appeal. Together, these strengths make Akwa Ibom one of the most attractive states in Nigeria and position it for continued growth, diversification, and prosperity in the years ahead.