Governor Umo Eno has announced the rollout of an oil palm revolution aimed at boosting agricultural output and economic development in Akwa Ibom. Speaking through his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, during the inauguration of an 11km road project in Nsit Ibom on Friday, Eno outlined a coordinated plan to expand oil palm farming, processing, and marketing across all 31 local government areas. Farmers are set to receive improved seedlings, grants, and support for land preparation to encourage investment in the sector.
Eno reaffirmed his administration's focus on sustainable infrastructure, noting that all local government areas have benefited from projects including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. "The essence is giving Akwa Ibom people services that will improve their quality of life," he said. The road project inaugurated is part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), funded with support from the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the International Labour Organisation.
Offiong Offor, commissioner for agriculture, confirmed that the state had fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations for RAAMP. She stated that 202 kilometres of rural roads have been completed across 18 local government areas under the project. To ensure long-term upkeep, 19 road maintenance groups, each with 65 members, have been established in 14 local government areas. Offor said improved rural infrastructure would reduce rural-urban migration by expanding economic opportunities locally.
Aminu Mohammed, national project coordinator for RAAMP, described Akwa Ibom as one of the "standout states" among the 19 involved in the initiative. He noted the state's strong performance had earned it inclusion in the project's second phase, calling it a sign of "consistency and effective implementation." The project integrates road construction with agro-logistics centres and rural markets to enhance agricultural productivity and increase income for rural populations.
