Together we shall prosper

I believe that very few of Nigeria’s 36 states can provide the strategic advantages and commercial opportunities which you require for soar – away success within the Nigerian environment like Akwa Ibom. Our state is blessed with enormous wealth. Our land is arable and our weather clement to support year –round agriculture. Our soil is rich with numerous mineral wealth. You will find across the state, very large deposits of gold, limestone, black and white clay, salt, coal, silver nitrate and glass sand. They will support a variety of processing facilities.

We are also rich in oil and natural gas. Akwa Ibom accounts for more than 28 percent of Nigeria’s total crude oil output. Much of the crude is located offshore which has proven reserves of crude oil and condensate and is reputed for spectacular discoveries. We have enormous reserve of gas on – shore. Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron and Elf have been actively exploiting these resources for years.

We run a democratic government with respect for the rule of law and due process. We are open and accountable to enhance public faith and support for our actions. We are updating our infrastructure base to support increased industrial activities. Our telecommunications system is being modernised to provide international standard services and bring us into the centre court of the global community. We are working on an ambitious power project that will utilise our gas resources to generate clean, uninterrupted electricity. We are re-engineering our processes so that our public service can run with a private sector mentality, delivering unparalleled values within the Nigerian environment. Our state is served with a network of roads. There are two international airports and seaports within 150 km of our capital, Uyo.

The more than 2.5 million people of Akwa Ibom State represent some of Nigeria’s dependable manpower pool. We are close and compact; multi – ethnic yet united, to promote strength and brotherhood through shared values and vision. Our people are warm and accommodating. And very industrious. Our state is home to more than 5,000 expatriates who have come to regard it as home.

We are a leading member of Nigeria’s South South, Nigeria’s strongest economic zone. We fall within three export free zones: the export processing zone at Ikot Abasi, the Calabar export processing zone and oil and gas free zone in Port Harcourt. These should offer you very great incentives.

The Nigeria federal government has offered a number of incentives including tax holidays, removal of restriction on repatriation of capital, income exemption, enhanced capital allowance and the creating an investor – friendly environment. These incentives covers business and investors in Akwa Ibom State. In addition, we will guarantee all investors free land and title. We will also offer such concessions that will enrich their operation through overall reduction in intial start – up capital.

As part of our economic policy, the government is divesting from direct participation in the industrial sector. So you will find a turf that is level. Now, our energies are focused on creating and sustaining an enabling environment that will guarantee the success of your enterprise. I invite you to take advantage of these and choose Akwa Ibom State as the ideal location for starting, expanding and relocating your business.