By Our Correspondent
Akwa Ibom State is positioning itself for a major transformation of its tourism and hospitality sector as Governor Umo Eno’s administration intensifies efforts to make the state one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for leisure, conferences, culture and business.
Speaking during an interaction with selected journalists in Abuja, Venerable Richard Peters, Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on New Media, said the administration had recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, tourism and economic development.
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For decades, Akwa Ibom’s public identity was largely associated with crude oil, its peaceful environment and, more recently, Ibom Air. However, the Eno administration is seeking to expand that narrative by placing tourism at the centre of its economic diversification strategy.
At the heart of the initiative is the development of what the government describes as a Uyo City Tourism Ecosystem, designed to bring hospitality, entertainment, shopping, conferencing and leisure together.
Several previously abandoned projects are being revived, while new facilities are being developed to complement existing attractions.
Among the major projects is the 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and its adjoining 200-room Ibom Hotel, both of which are undergoing reconstruction.
The ARISE Resort is also taking shape with facilities including a nine-hole golf course, artificial lakes, playgrounds, luxury chalets and a banquet hall. The ARISE Shopping City and Amusement Park are expected to add retail, recreation and entertainment to the emerging tourism corridor.
The rehabilitation of the Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resort is another major component of the strategy. The project covers the renovation of its 163 rooms and seven chalets, as well as improvements to power, lighting and cooling systems.
Governor Eno has consistently described tourism as a key component of his ARISE Agenda and a pathway towards preparing Akwa Ibom for a post-oil economy.
“We are gathered here in our determined effort to position Akwa Ibom State as the tourism hub of Nigeria,” the governor said.
Partnerships, Professional Management
Beyond infrastructure, the state government is seeking professional management and strategic partnerships to ensure that tourism facilities become commercially viable.
A management agreement with Aleph Hospitality is expected to introduce international hospitality standards to key facilities, including the Ibom Icon Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, ARISE Park and the Convention Centre.
The state has also entered into partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in areas including tourism, the blue economy, skills and innovation.
Discussions with MTN are also expected to support sports tourism, including events such as MTN Champs.
The strategy, according to the administration, is not simply to construct facilities but to establish a sustainable tourism economy capable of attracting visitors, investors and major events.
Airport, Ibom Air Strengthen Connectivity
Transportation remains central to the tourism ambition.
The Victor Attah International Airport has received upgrades and now accommodates international flights from Accra, Ghana, while Ibom Air continues to provide connectivity between Akwa Ibom and other Nigerian cities.
The establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development further demonstrates the administration’s focus on improving air connectivity.
“We cannot succeed in tourism without a functional airport,” Governor Eno has stated.
Culture at the Centre
The government is equally focusing on Akwa Ibom’s cultural heritage as a major tourism asset.
At the 2026 World Heritage Day celebration in Uyo, themed “Akwa Ibom Heritage Alive,” the state showcased its music, folklore, traditional expressions and indigenous cuisine, including afang, edikang ikong and ekpang nkukwo.
The annual Yuletide Cultural Festival, held across the state’s 31 local government areas, has also provided a platform for showcasing local dances, cuisine and cultural traditions.
Governor Eno has personally visited tourism sites such as Marina Beach and the State Museum to assess their potential for rehabilitation and development.
Security as a Tourism Pillar
The administration has also identified security as essential to the tourism agenda.
The state government established the ₦10 billion Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund, with Governor Eno repeatedly stressing the connection between security, investment and tourism.
The emerging tourism ecosystem is expected to create jobs across construction, hospitality, transportation, entertainment and event management.
It could also generate opportunities for chefs, tour guides, housekeepers, drivers, artisans and other service providers.
Beyond Oil
For Akwa Ibom, the broader objective is economic diversification.
Opportunities are emerging in hotel management, retail, event hosting, food supply, transportation and the development of attractions such as Nwaniba Beach Market.
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A Tourism Committee headed by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism has also been constituted to assess and harness the state’s tourism potential.
Governor Eno has expressed the ambition of making Akwa Ibom “another Kigali” — a destination where conferences, business, leisure, culture and hospitality converge.
If the ongoing projects are completed, professionally managed and effectively connected to the state’s cultural and natural assets, Uyo could evolve from primarily serving as Akwa Ibom’s administrative capital and gateway into one of Nigeria’s most attractive tourism destinations.
