It is no news that I visited Akwa Ibom a few days ago.
I had gone to see first-hand, facts I had privately researched on, to justify investments in real estate in a location that I can now confirm is Nigeria’s best kept secret.
Anybody who has a passing knowledge in economics and geography, and has also followed Nigeria’s trajectory will not take long to come to the conclusion that Akwa-Ibom will undoubtedly take the centre-stage of a future Nigerian economic renaissance.
Here are a few reasons;
1. Akwa-Ibom, being a littoral state, is one of only eight (8) states in Nigeria that is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and by implication an Ocean gateway of Nigeria.
In truth, of all the eight states bordered by the Atlantic, Akwa-Ibom has the longest coastline at 129 kilometres.
2. Beyond being a littoral state, Akwa-Ibom hosts a natural site for an actual deep-sea port whose planning has gone well beyond feasibility studies.
If completed, Ibom Sea Port will be one of only six deep sea ports located along Nigeria’s 853 kilometre coastline.
3. The city of Aba, Nigeria’s major industrial hub and commercial city, is less than 80 kilometres from the intended sea-port.
If the IPP in Aba eventually becomes a reality and the city lives up to its full industrial potential, both Uyo and Aba will be intertwined in a symbiotic relationship never seen before in Nigeria.
4. Akwa-Ibom is one of the few states in the country that combines significant Oil and Gas activities, with Tourism and Hospitality as well as Agriculture.
This simply means that there is a good mix of economic activity which will only get better.
5. An International Airport (with a fully operative domestic wing) has commenced operations.
Operations commenced with an inaugural flight to Accra late last October.
6. Akwa-Ibom is one of the few states where successive governments have been intentional with road infrastructure (at least by Nigerian standards) with existing roads being expanded and new roads being constructed.
Properties are actually making way for road expansion with the owners receiving actual compensation.
7. Of all Oil producing states in the Niger-Delta, Akwa-Ibom has remained the most peaceful.
This is not unconnected with the culture of the people of Akwa-Ibom, who are about the most friendly and courteous people you will ever meet in Nigeria.
The average visitor would be enchanted by their simplicity and hospitality.
8. Nigeria’s second largest private refinery, being built by the BUA consortium is located in Akwa-Ibom.
You know what they say in economics about a factor of production being close to its raw material.
9. The state plays host to Nigeria’s best golf resort.
Golf we all know, is a pastime of very high net worth individuals, the type whose investments can change the fortune of the location they invest in.
10. It is there-fore not surprising, that major companies and individuals who have done their research properly, are quietly trooping to the state to lap up real estate property for the future, preparing themselves to be in prime position to reap from the explosion whose time is only a matter of when.
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All these I knew, but confirmed further with an actual visit, and was extremely happy with what I saw.
For me, Akwa-Ibom real estate is exactly where I like it.
Relatively cheap, but with huge potential.
The type that you can only dig out with research.
If things go the way they are supposed to, anybody who purchases property in this state may be sitting on a small fortune a few years from now.
Even as it is presently, Akwa-Ibom, with its serenity, is a home away from home, with the huge Ibom five star resort playing host to so many activities.
The delicacies are out of this world, with a vast array of different soups and foods.
Boasting of the longest coastline in Nigeria at 129kilometres long, availability of fresh seafood will be a delight for sea food lovers who can also relax at beautiful beaches.
My utmost hope, is that Akwa-Ibom is able to keep its innocence when the all but certain geometric industrial growth starts happening.
I would strongly recommend anybody thinking of buying property in Nigeria to have a look at Akwa-Ibom.
You just might be sitting atop a huge fortune a few years from now.
