In a bold move to expand its economic base beyond oil, the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to construct a 4-star Ibom Hotel in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Governor Umo Eno made this revelation while presenting the 2025 Budget Proposal to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Wednesday.
The hotel project is part of a broader strategy by the state to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) and solidify its presence in Nigeria’s thriving hospitality and real estate sectors.
“We are also concluding plans to construct a Four-Star Ibom Hotels in Abuja. All these will in the long run earn us solid returns on investment. As the world is looking beyond oil, we too must make plans to think ahead and survive without oil,” Governor Eno stated during his address.
Strategic Investments on the Rise
The proposed Abuja hotel joins a growing list of high-profile projects initiated by the Umo Eno administration. Just weeks ago, the state government conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the 18-storey Ibom Towers—a key commercial development in Lagos expected to increase Akwa Ibom’s stake in the bustling real estate market.
These projects align with the administration’s focus on revitalizing underused assets, fostering sustainable development, and creating long-term wealth for the state.
Tourism and Infrastructure as Pillars of Growth
Governor Eno reiterated the importance of tourism and infrastructure in Akwa Ibom’s development agenda. A standout project is Arise Park, an expansive tourism and recreation initiative located on land formerly devastated by gully erosion. Phase one—featuring a children’s playground and a golf course—is set to open in December 2025.
The governor emphasized that the park will serve as a major tourism hub and job creator, further accelerating the state’s economic diversification efforts.
Ibom Deep Seaport Advances to Next Phase
Another centerpiece of the state’s economic blueprint is the Ibom Deep Seaport. Governor Eno disclosed that comprehensive feasibility studies—covering geo-technical, geo-physical, and environmental evaluations—have been completed. The project will now proceed to the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase, a critical milestone in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
Improved access routes and logistics connectivity to the seaport are also being prioritized to ensure operational readiness upon completion.
What This Means for Abuja and Beyond
The decision to establish a 4-star Ibom Hotel in Abuja underlines Akwa Ibom’s growing commitment to cross-regional investment and innovation. For Abuja residents and visitors, it promises a premium hospitality experience backed by the Ibom brand’s reputation.
From the capital to Lagos and across the state, Akwa Ibom is making strategic moves that could redefine sub-national development in Nigeria.
Stay connected to AbujaBusinessNews.com for the latest updates on this story and other impactful developments across the FCT and beyond.
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