To diversify the native economies, the Akwa Ibom State authorities has seemed inward to harness non-oil assets, particularly cocoa, maritime and agricultural merchandise for export.
Talking in an interview with Journalists, the brand new Commissioner for Commerce and Funding, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd), mentioned it was time to reinvigorate the State economic system by enhanced enterprise and commerce coverage pushed by Data and Communication Expertise (ICT).
Underneath the theme “Unlocking Alternatives: The Position of Commerce and Funding within the Come up Agenda,” the commissioner, simply reassigned from the Ministry of Lands, Finish City Planning, mentioned laws was within the works to create the enabling atmosphere for native companies to thrive.
He mentioned: “The governor’s ARISE Agenda is greater than a blueprint—it’s a name to motion, rooted in pragmatism and people-focused growth.
“This agenda recognises commerce and funding as key pillars for attaining sustainable financial development, job creation, and inclusive prosperity. Our ministry, due to this fact, occupies a strategic place in translating these aspirations into measurable outcomes.
“As a ministry, our mission is evident: to facilitate investments that drive native content material, worth addition, and industrialisation.
“To help Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) and create an enabling atmosphere the place small companies can thrive and promote Akwa Ibom as a prime funding vacation spot in Nigeria and past in addition to construct productive partnerships with the personal sector and growth establishments.”
For ease of doing enterprise, the commissioner mentioned his ministry was working in collaboration with related ministries, departments and companies (MDAs) in the direction of reviewing regulatory frameworks and processes “to make it simpler for traders to do enterprise in Akwa Ibom.”
He assured of scaling up entry to finance, coaching, and market alternatives for MSMEs throughout the 31 native authorities areas, create Industrial Cluster Growth (ICD) consistent with the administration’s deal with rural growth.
“We’ll encourage the institution of small-scale industries and agro-processing hubs in key zones.
as we embark on a complete funding street map to be unveiled quickly, highlighting alternatives in agriculture, tourism, aviation, energy, tourism, maritime, manufacturing, and ICT.
“We’ll work to facilitate commerce and export development by unlocking entry to regional and worldwide markets for Akwa Ibom merchandise, particularly non-oil exports, commerce festivals, promotions and exhibitions,” he careworn.
Based on him, funding desks could be opened in liaison places of work in Abuja and Lagos to compile the Funding and Commerce Compendium.
