In Akwa Ibom, we are modernising our infrastructure to bring them to world class standards. The state is benefiting from a federal programme to upgrade and modernise key telephone facilities across the country. This process should be completed shortly.

We are currently discussing with a number of organisations within and outside Nigeria to develop independent power projects that will provide clean, uninterrupted electricity in the state.

We are building new roads and rehabilitating old ones. A total of 1,000 km of road will benefit from this programme over the next 12 months. They should open up our communities and facilitate easy movement across communities. Our compact size demands that we develop our state as an integrated city served with very modern amenities.

In the housing sector, the state is benefiting from a special programme sponsored by the Nairobi - based Shelter Afrique. More than $3 million will be invested over the next three years in developing owner occupier homes across the state.