Gov. Eno restructuring coastal economy in Akwa Ibom through RAAMP

Emmanuel Nicholas

Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) is a governmental agency that has significantly advanced the primary objectives of the Arise Agenda to exceptional heights.

This initiative is supported by the Akwa Ibom State Government, in conjunction with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and L’Agence Française de Développement (French Development Agency).

Over the past year, RAAMP has emerged as a pivotal force in Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, aimed at enhancing rural communities within Akwa Ibom State through meticulously planned projections.

These initiatives integrate road infrastructure improvements with market accessibility, thereby re-establishing vital connections between roadways and coastal markets, particularly those that previously served as thriving centers of commerce.

Historically, these coastal areas have languished due to deteriorating road networks, which have severely hampered trade activities linking maritime and riverine resources to the beaches.

The predominant economic activities in these communities include seafood processing, timber harvesting, firewood collection, palm wine production, locally distilled gin from palm wine, sand hauling, and international trade.

Coastal community members engaged in trade with neighboring Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea from the 1960s to the 1990s, facilitating the importation of international brandy and whisky into Nigeria.

During this period, Nigerian entrepreneurs invested in palm fruit plantations in Cameroon, processing and transporting the products back to Nigeria for sale.

However, many of these economic activities have dwindled due to inadequate road infrastructure, the absence of jetties, and the threat of maritime piracy, a situation that has been significantly mitigated under Governor Umo Eno’s administration through the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways.

The ongoing construction of roads and markets in the Uruan Local Government Area is set to revitalize these once-thriving commercial hubs, fostering the resurgence of local businesses.

Initially, RAAMP has awarded the construction of a 16-kilometer road linking Nung Udoe to Ibiaku Obio Ndobo and Adadia, which, upon completion, will facilitate access to Issiet Beach Market, one of the most renowned seafood markets in Akwa Ibom State.

Furthermore, RAAMP is in the process of publicly soliciting bids for the construction of the Issiet Beach Market, as articulated by the project coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan.

He elaborated that the market is designed to feature contemporary infrastructure aimed at transforming it into an international agro-logistics center.

Upon completion, the Issiet Beach Market will encompass lockable retail spaces, open-air stalls, a pavilion for fresh seafood, cold storage facilities, an abattoir, warehouses, a business complex for banking institutions and cooperative organizations, administrative offices, dual jetties, a clinic for health Emergencies, a water police post, a customs office, and naval accommodations.

The market will be fully enclosed, with a comprehensive waterway management system to prevent erosion from undermining the facility.

Additionally, the entire market area will feature interlocking pavers and asphalted road networks to ensure seamless commercial operations and it will be fenced round

Beyond Issiet Market, RAAMP has made progress in advancing the Rural Development goals of Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda by awarding the construction of a 4km road from Ekim Enen to Esuk Odu beach.

This beach is known for timber trading and fresh fish, but the poor condition of the access road had nearly driven away traders.

Moreso, this road provides access to three crude oil wells currently operated by Monopoly Oil Nigeria Limited. According to seismic reports, the gas reserves in this community could last up to three hundred years, while the crude reserves could last over one hundred years.

By constructing this road and a jetty, the Akwa Ibom State Government, through RAAMP, aims to revitalize commerce in the area and facilitate the oil company’s drilling operations for crude and natural gas, which will enhance revenue for the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The project’s second phase involves a 7km road connecting Nturupum, Eman Ukpa, and Ekim Enen, which includes two beaches—one in Nturupum and the other in Eman Ukpa.

Previously, the Nturupum community had become a hideout for kidnappers due to the poor road conditions, which they exploited to transport victims to the creek, driving away timber traders and vegetable farmers who relied on the coastal area during the dry season to plant.

The Eman Ukpa beach, now a dead zone, was primarily used for hauling sharp sand and sea stones for construction and decoration.

The third phase of the project is the 3.3km Esuk Odu to Afaha Ikot to Issiet Beach Market Road, which connects Esuk Beach to Issiet Market. This will enable fishermen at Esuk Odu Beach to access the market more easily and sell their seafood without delays.

These three projects are set to significantly revitalize economic activities in rural communities, aligning with Governor Umo Eno’s primary goal outlined in his Arise Agenda. RAAMP is actively driving this agenda at an impressive pace, which is commendable.

Governor Umo Eno has invested billions of Naira as the State’s counterpart funding to ensure RAAMP realizes his vision for rural development in Akwa Ibom State.

Rural development is vital for various reasons, including poverty alleviation, economic growth, food security, and job creation.

Governor Umo Eno understands that many rural areas experience high poverty levels, and development initiatives can enhance living standards, increase income opportunities, and reduce inequality.

He recognizes that bolstering rural economies through agriculture, small businesses, and improved infrastructure can significantly contribute to national economic growth.

Additionally, rural development enhances agricultural productivity and food production, which is crucial for ensuring food security and nutrition for growing populations, as he aims to achieve food sufficiency in Akwa Ibom State.

Furthermore, Governor Umo Eno seeks to leverage rural development programmes to create jobs across various sectors, helping to retain rural populations and curb urban migration.

Through rural development, the Governor aims to improve access to markets, education, healthcare, and social services, thereby enhancing the quality of life in rural areas and fostering community well-being and resilience.

Lastly, the Governor’s rural development initiatives focus on empowering marginalized groups, including women, youth, farmers, and others, promoting inclusivity and social equity.

In summary, rural development is essential for achieving balanced growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development, benefiting both rural and urban populations.

Thus, RAAMP is committed to ensuring that the Arise Agenda is a success, transforming rural communities in Akwa Ibom State into new business hubs.