Idongesit Mishael, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured investors that the political activities ahead of the 2027 elections will not distract his administration from governance, pledging to keep the state stable and business-friendly as he commissioned the Uyo branch of Signature Bank on Tuesday.
Eno said his administration would continue to discharge its responsibilities to the people and maintain the conditions necessary for businesses to operate, regardless of the political season, stressing that governance must remain a 24-hour responsibility.
“We as a government will not shy away from our duties and responsibilities to ensure that governance is maintained 24/7 while we do politics,” the governor said.
“Because after politics is gone, we still have a state to run,” he added.
The governor said the assurance was particularly important as Signature Bank commenced operations in Akwa Ibom at a politically sensitive period, noting that businesses required peace, stability and policy consistency to plan, invest and grow.
He said government was working on several fronts, including electricity, land administration, infrastructure and ease of doing business, to make Akwa Ibom more attractive to investors and support existing businesses.
Eno described the entry of Signature Bank as a welcome development, saying the state needed more financial institutions and private-sector investments capable of expanding economic activities and creating opportunities for its people.
“I know that the bank is already doing well. I’ve heard Signature, Signature, and I was wondering why they are not in Akwa Ibom. So thank you for finally arriving Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The governor identified Akwa Ibom’s road network, peaceful environment and human capital as some of the advantages that could make the state an attractive destination for investors, adding that efforts were also being made to position it as a tourism hub.
He said the administration would sustain its support for small and medium-scale enterprises under the ARISE Agenda, noting that the growth of businesses remained central to the state’s economic development strategy.
According to him, the planned launch of AkwaGIS would further simplify land administration and make it easier for investors and organisations to obtain Certificates of Occupancy, particularly for businesses requiring landed assets to establish or expand operations.
Eno also disclosed that the state was pursuing electricity reforms aimed at improving power supply, noting that government was “doing several things in the economy to make it easy for businesses to thrive here.”
He urged Signature Bank to integrate into the state’s existing financial ecosystem through the Bankers’ Committee and collaborate with other financial institutions and stakeholders in sustaining the peaceful environment required for economic activities.
Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Signature Bank, Mr Nixon Iwedi, said the opening of the Uyo branch marked the beginning of a new relationship between the bank and the people, businesses and communities of Akwa Ibom.
Iwedi said the bank regarded the branch as more than a physical facility, describing it as a platform for building relationships, developing businesses and connecting its financial solutions to opportunities within the state.
“For us, a branch is more than the physical infrastructure. It is a touchpoint, where relationships will be built, businesses will be developed, and the entire Akwa Ibom State will leverage on the resources put in place here to further the growth of this great state,” he said.
Representing the Board Chairman, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo said Signature Bank recognised the economic opportunities in Akwa Ibom and the potential of its entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals.
He said the bank was particularly interested in supporting entrepreneurs requiring working capital, established businesses seeking expansion and professionals looking for convenient and responsive banking services.
He listed agriculture, tourism, hospitality, real estate, construction, transportation and professional services among sectors with significant opportunities for financial intervention in the state.
Also speaking, the Head of Currency Circulation, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr Douyi Alalibo, said the establishment of the branch reflected confidence in Akwa Ibom’s economic potential and would contribute to deepening financial inclusion.
Alalibo said the CBN welcomed investments capable of expanding access to financial services, stimulating entrepreneurship, creating employment and supporting economic development.
She urged the bank to maintain high standards of professionalism, corporate governance, customer service and regulatory compliance, expressing the expectation that the Uyo branch would become a catalyst for innovation, enterprise and economic growth in the state.
