The Ikot Ekpene International Market is expected to expand trade, create jobs and draw businesses and customers from neighbouring states and beyond.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno made the disclosure in Ikot Ekpene on Wednesday during the foundation laying ceremony for the project.
The project, which also includes the unveiling of its design, is expected to strengthen Ikot Ekpene’s position as a commercial centre while providing new opportunities for traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers and young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, held as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary, Eno said the market was designed as an investment in the state’s economic future and a platform for residents to grow their businesses.
“Today, we are laying a foundation for prosperity, building infrastructure for opportunities and creating a platform where our traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers and young people can build their dreams,” the governor said.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), said the project was part of efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a hub for trade, tourism and industrialisation.
Ekong disclosed that the first phase would consist of 30 blocks of double-deck structures containing 108 shops, two warehouses, restaurants, cold rooms and a police station.
He added that the project would also feature asphalt and concrete roads, providing infrastructure to support commercial activities within the market.
According to the commissioner, the market’s strategic location is expected to attract traders and customers from Cross River, Abia and Rivers states, as well as neighbouring Cameroon.
Eno said his administration remained focused on projects capable of producing direct economic benefits for the people, citing the market as part of the projects being delivered across the state.
“When we started, the opposition asked, ‘Where are the 39 projects?’ Today, we can tell them to come and see,” he said.
The project also received commendation from community and political stakeholders, with Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien recalling that the idea of establishing the market was conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene in 2010.
Ibokessien commended the governor for moving the project from years of conception and discussion to the construction stage.
The Director-General of Campaigns, Ambassador Chief Assam Assam (SAN), recalled Eno’s earlier promise to establish an international market in Ikot Ekpene, describing the project as the realisation of that commitment.
Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, said the market would help redirect commercial traffic to the area by attracting traders who ordinarily travel to other commercial centres.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, also expressed appreciation to the governor for initiating the project.
Construction of the market is expected to increase commercial activity in Ikot Ekpene while creating employment and opening new opportunities for businesses within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
