Akwa Ibom State Government is targeting traders, farmers, youths, women, transport operators and small businesses with a ₦31 billion economic empowerment programme designed to expand business opportunities and strengthen livelihoods across the state.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), disclosed this on Thursday during the ongoing Ministerial Media Briefing in Uyo, where he also announced that ₦2 billion in traders’ grants had been disbursed to 3,496 beneficiaries across the 31 local government areas.
Ekong said the grants were intended to provide traders with additional working capital to restock their businesses, expand operations and meet consumer demand.
He explained that the wider empowerment programme would extend support to different categories of economic operators, as the government seeks to strengthen small businesses and stimulate grassroots economic activities.
The commissioner also highlighted infrastructure development as part of the state’s efforts to improve commercial activities, citing the ongoing construction of the Ikot Ekpene International Market.
According to him, the first phase of the market will provide 30 modern blocks containing 1,200 shops, two large warehouses and an administrative building.
Other facilities include security posts, a dedicated power house, borehole water supply, a cold room, a modern abattoir and two restaurants.
Ekong said the project also featured a 2.51-kilometre internal road network, 3.79 kilometres of concrete roads and perimeter fencing, which he said was 95 per cent complete.
He explained that the market was expected to improve storage and distribution, expand access to commercial facilities and connect traders to wider markets when completed.
The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry was facilitating the establishment of three agro-processing industrial clusters in Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Oron to promote the processing of agricultural produce and create more business opportunities.
He also cited the maiden Akwa Ibom State Non-Oil Export Summit as part of efforts to help local businesses access markets outside the state and improve the competitiveness of locally made products.
Ekong said the initiatives reflected the administration’s shift towards practical economic interventions through financial support, commercial infrastructure and improved market access.
He invited genuine investors and entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in Akwa Ibom, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to partnerships that would promote trade, investment and economic growth.
