By Yahaya Idris, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno’s administration is pursuing an ambitious tourism development strategy aimed at reducing Akwa Ibom State’s dependence on oil while creating a new economy built around hospitality, culture, entertainment, conferences and investment.
Venerable Richard Peters, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, highlighted the administration’s achievements during a recent interaction with some selected journalists in Abuja, noting that the state was witnessing significant development under the present administration.
According to the administration, tourism is no longer being treated as a peripheral sector but as a major pillar of economic diversification.
The emerging Uyo City Tourism Ecosystem is central to the strategy.
The ecosystem is expected to connect hotels, convention facilities, shopping centres, amusement parks, golf courses, restaurants and cultural attractions into a coordinated destination capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors.
One of the major developments is the reconstruction of the 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and adjoining 200-room Ibom Hotel.
The ARISE Resort is another flagship project, with plans featuring a nine-hole golf course, artificial lakes, playgrounds, luxury chalets and a banquet hall.
The ARISE Shopping City and Amusement Park are also expected to expand the entertainment and retail options available to residents and tourists.
Reviving Existing Assets
The administration is simultaneously rehabilitating existing tourism infrastructure.
The Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resort is undergoing extensive renovation involving its 163 rooms and seven chalets, alongside upgrades to its power, lighting and cooling systems.
The objective is to position the state to host major conferences, exhibitions, sporting events and leisure travellers.
Governor Eno has described the tourism drive as part of his broader ARISE Agenda and a strategic response to the need to prepare the state for a future beyond oil.
International Standards
The state government is also pursuing partnerships designed to improve the management of tourism facilities.
A management agreement with Aleph Hospitality is expected to bring international hospitality standards to facilities including Ibom Icon Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, ARISE Park and the Convention Centre.
The partnership with UNDP also covers areas such as tourism, blue economy, skills and innovation.
Meanwhile, engagement with MTN is expected to support sports tourism through initiatives including MTN Champs.
Connectivity Is Critical
The tourism vision depends heavily on transportation.
The Victor Attah International Airport has been upgraded and now receives international flights from Accra, Ghana.
Ibom Air, meanwhile, provides a major link between Akwa Ibom and other parts of Nigeria.
The establishment of the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development reinforces the government’s position that aviation infrastructure is indispensable to tourism growth.
Turning Culture Into Economic Opportunity
Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage is another major component of the tourism strategy.
During the 2026 World Heritage Day celebration, the state presented its cultural heritage under the theme “Akwa Ibom Heritage Alive.”
Traditional music, folklore, indigenous expressions and local dishes such as afang, edikang ikong and ekpang nkukwo were showcased.
The annual Yuletide Cultural Festival also provides opportunities to promote cultural tourism across the state’s 31 local government areas.
Tourism sites including Marina Beach and the State Museum are being assessed for rehabilitation and development.
Security and Jobs
The administration recognises that tourism cannot flourish without security.
The establishment of the ₦10 billion Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund is part of the government’s wider security strategy.
The expected economic benefits of the tourism programme extend beyond hotels and resorts.
Construction workers, transport operators, chefs, tour guides, housekeepers, artisans, event managers and entertainment practitioners could all benefit from increased tourism activity.
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The development of attractions such as Nwaniba Beach Market could further stimulate small businesses and local supply chains.
Governor Eno’s stated ambition is to make Akwa Ibom “another Kigali,” where business, conferences, culture, leisure and hospitality operate within a vibrant tourism ecosystem.
The success of the strategy will ultimately depend on completing the projects, maintaining professional management, attracting investors and effectively marketing the state’s cultural and natural attractions.