The FG’s ‘Game Changer’ Package For Akwa Ibom

Just at the start of last weekend, Governor Udom Emmanuel had the opportunity to table a litany of demands for oil-related projects to the visiting minister of state for petroleum who led the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on a retreat to Akwa Ibom.

But at the end of the weekend the Federal Government, in what was an answer to his demands, gave much more than he requested.

First, President Muhammadu Buhari approved an oil and gas free trade zone for Akwa Ibom State which on completion will be the biggest in West Africa and create 7000 long-term jobs. In addition, the minister of state for petroleum, Mr Timipre Sylva, announced approval for construction of petrol/diesel depot for Akwa Ibom.

After years of yearnings and agitations for federal presence, Akwa Ibom’s prayers are being answered with the recent project package from the Federal Government.

Until now, the Federal Government failed to accord Akwa Ibom the necessary projects befitting its status as the leading oil producing state.

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There seems to have been a divine intervention on behalf of Akwa Ibom as the state’s profile is rising among the comity of states.

If the depot project is carried through, it will save oil dealers from the state hazardous tasks of long haulage from Port Harcourt through treacherous federal roads.

It must have been shocking to well-meaning Nigerians to realize that the goose that lays the golden eggs for the nation does not even have a single petroleum depot, not to talk of a refinery.

Now Akwa Ibom is gradually on the path of enjoying the benefits that come from being Nigeria’s leading oil producing state.

Things are beginning to fall in place for the state that can start to look forward to a brighter future and as an emerging economic giant following the project packages announced by the Federal Government.

From the look of things, the days of marginalization of the state seems to be fading away while its economic potentialities are now being given free rein.

Of particular interest is the free trade zone which will span six local government areas of Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Oruk Anam, Mkpat Enin, Onna and Ibeno.

Known as Liberty Free Trade Zone, the project will boost the industrial revolution of Akwa Ibom and that of the Federal Government.

All the packages as announced by the Federal Government are indeed game changers for the state.