Akwa Ibom safe for investment, says Sanusi

Muhammadu Sanusi, emir of Kano, says Akwa Ibom is very peaceful and a safe haven for investors.

The  emir, who spoke during a courtesy call on Udom Emmanuel, governor of the state, at government house, Uyo, was full of commendation to the governor for the “giant strides” his administration has recorded so far in the state.

Sanusi said he has followed with keen interest “the tremendous transformation, not just in the infrastructural development but also in terms of peace and security”, that the governor has brought to bear in the state.

The emir announced plans by Qua Iboe Power Project (QIPP), his company, to invest $1.1billion in the exploration of gas in Akwa Ibom state.

Part of the investment, Sanusi said, would be the development of a Gas power plant, acquired from Mobil, that will add 540 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on completion.

He said Akwa Ibom was chosen for the investments because it has all that is needed for the business to thrive.

The emir said with an estimated population of 190 million and a large youth population, now is the time to start building an economy that would cater for the employment needs.

“If we don’t get it right now, what we will have in the future will be a child’s play compared to what is happening now,” he said.

“We don’t have money to invest in power; we don’t have money to invest in infrastructure, but we have money to subsidise petroleum products. We have to get rid of subsidy.”

In his response, Emmanuel commended the emir for the visit and more importantly for “stepping out of your emirate to go out there and source for investments”.

“We want to tell the whole world that Akwa Ibom is ready for investments,” he said.

The Governor further commended the traditional ruler for his courage in always speaking his mind on national issues and for doing so in a non-partisan manner.

Emmanuel, who also used the opportunity to update the Emir on some of key projects such as the Ibom Deep Sea Port and the planned International logistics Centre to be located in Ikot Abasi, agreed with the emir on the need to build a virile economy; noting that democracy can only thrive where there is a fledging economy.

He pledged to look for more areas of collaboration even as he commended the emir for his unyielding interest in the economic and political development of the country.