By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government has released financial support totalling N2 billion to 3,496 traders across 31 local government areas of the state to enable them restock and expand their businesses. The idea is part of government’s efforts to sustain commercial activities in the state.
The ₦2 billion business support is outside the ₦31 billion economic empowerment programme captured in the 2026 budget, which targets women, youths, farmers, transport operators and small-scale businesses.
Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Inionong Ekong (Rtd.) who disclosed this in Uyo last week, said the government was adopting a data-driven approach to identify beneficiaries and ensure transparency in the distribution of funds, warning that the administration would not accept fraudulent practices in its empowerment programmes.
On infrastructure development, Ekong identified the ongoing Multi Billion Naira Ikot Ekpene International Market project as a major investment expected to improve trade, create employment and strengthen the state’s commercial position.
The Commissioner said the first phase would feature 1,200 shops across 30 modern blocks, warehouses, administrative facilities, security posts, a dedicated power supply, borehole water, cold-room facilities, a modern abattoir and two restaurants.
According to him, the market would provide improved facilities for traders and farmers, support agricultural value chains and attract investments into the area, with the potential to position Ikot Ekpene as a major commercial and logistics centre in the South-South region.
Ekong also disclosed plans to establish three agro-processing industrial clusters in Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Oron, alongside the development of an investment roadmap, an online investment portal and the full operation of one-stop investment centres.
He said the ministry was implementing business-enabling reforms under the World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme and working with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to improve local exporters’ capacity and access to regional and international markets.
The state is also preparing to host its maiden non-oil export summit, while the investment roadmap is expected to begin implementation in the first quarter of 2027.
