Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment that will attract more businesses, create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth in the state.
Governor Eno made this known on Tuesday while commissioning a new branch of Signature Bank in Uyo, the state capital, where he said his government is deliberately opening up the state for more private sector participation and investment across various sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony which attracted top government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers and members of the banking community, the Governor said Akwa Ibom remains one of the most peaceful and investor-friendly destinations in Nigeria, and that his administration is determined to maintain that status.
According to him, the state’s relative peace and security, improved road infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and huge tourism potential have made it increasingly attractive to investors, both local and foreign, who are seeking stable and viable locations to do business.
He noted that his administration, since assumption of office, has continued to prioritize peace and security as a foundation for development, stressing that no meaningful investment can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity, and that Akwa Ibom will continue to be known for peace.
Governor Eno also highlighted the massive investment his government has made in road infrastructure, opening up rural and urban communities and easing movement of goods and services, which he said is a critical enabler for business growth and economic expansion.
He stated that the state is blessed with a vibrant, educated and skilled young population that is ready to support businesses with manpower and innovation, adding that the government is investing in capacity building to further enhance the quality of the workforce.
The Governor further pointed out that Akwa Ibom’s rich tourism potential, from its pristine beaches to its cultural heritage and hospitality, remains largely untapped and presents huge opportunities for investors in the hospitality, entertainment and service sectors.
Governor Eno said the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, remains a key pillar of his ARISE Agenda, noting that SMEs are the engine of growth for any economy and that his government is implementing deliberate measures to support their growth and sustainability.
He explained that the ARISE Agenda, which is the blueprint of his administration, places strong emphasis on economic prosperity, rural development and wealth creation, with a clear focus on empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state.
The Governor disclosed that his administration is implementing far-reaching reforms to make it easier for businesses to operate and invest in the state, including simplifying regulatory processes, improving ease of doing business and providing necessary support for startups.
He specifically announced that the state government is working to launch the Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System, AkwaGIS, a digital platform that will simplify and speed up access to Certificates of Occupancy and other land-related documents.
According to him, the AkwaGIS initiative will eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks in land administration, ensure transparency in land transactions and give investors confidence that they can secure title documents without unnecessary delays.
Governor Eno also disclosed that electricity reforms aimed at ensuring 24-hour power supply in the state are ongoing, noting that stable power supply is critical to reducing the cost of doing business and attracting manufacturing and industrial investments.
He assured investors that his administration will continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and incentives to make Akwa Ibom a preferred investment destination, while urging the people of the state to support the government’s economic transformation agenda.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Signature Bank, Mr. Nixon Iwedi, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for creating a business-friendly environment that encourages banks and other corporate organizations to expand their operations.
Iwedi said the decision to open a branch in Uyo was informed by the state’s economic potential, political stability and the pro-business policies of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, expressing confidence that the bank will contribute to the economic growth of the state.
He assured customers in Akwa Ibom that Signature Bank will bring its innovative banking solutions, excellent customer service and support for SMEs to bear, pledging that the bank will be a partner in the state’s development journey.
Also speaking, a representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said the opening of the new Signature Bank branch in Uyo reflects growing confidence in Akwa Ibom’s economic potential and will contribute significantly to greater financial inclusion in the state.
The CBN representative noted that increased presence of financial institutions in the state is a positive indicator of economic vibrancy, adding that more access to banking services will help small businesses grow and bring more people into the formal financial system.
The event was rounded off with the formal cutting of tape and inspection of the banking hall by Governor Umo Eno and other dignitaries, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the new branch will further boost economic activities and strengthen the state’s position as an emerging investment hub in the South-South region.
