The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified its drive towards agricultural transformation with a series of strategic investments aimed at restoring the state’s historical dominance in oil palm production, strengthening food security, empowering women farmers and expanding rural economic development.
The Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on New Media, Venerable Richard Peters, disclosed the initiatives while briefing journalists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, describing agriculture as a critical pillar of the administration’s ARISE Agenda for sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.
According to Peters, Governor Umo Eno’s administration is repositioning agriculture as a major economic driver by investing in mechanised farming, agribusiness development, rural infrastructure and women-led enterprises.
Oil Palm Revolution Returns to Akwa Ibom
Peters said one of the administration’s flagship agricultural initiatives is the Oil Palm Tree Crop Revolution, a programme designed to restore Akwa Ibom’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading oil palm-producing states.
He explained that the initiative seeks to revive the state’s long-standing comparative advantage in oil palm cultivation by encouraging large-scale plantation development, supporting smallholder farmers and increasing local processing capacity.
According to him, the programme is expected to stimulate rural economies, create employment opportunities for thousands of young people and position Akwa Ibom as a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings.
“The Oil Palm Tree Crop Revolution is not merely an agricultural programme; it is an economic renewal strategy aimed at unlocking the enormous potential of Akwa Ibom’s agricultural sector while creating sustainable livelihoods for our people,” Peters said.
Mechanised Farming Takes Centre Stage
To improve productivity and reduce the burden of manual farming, the Akwa Ibom State Government has established an Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company, providing farmers with access to subsidised mechanised farming equipment.
The initiative is expected to enable farmers to cultivate larger hectares of land more efficiently while lowering production costs and increasing yields.
Government of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Peters noted that access to tractors, harvesters and other modern farm equipment would significantly improve agricultural output and encourage commercial farming across the state.
He added that mechanisation remains one of the most effective ways of addressing labour shortages and improving food production in line with global best practices.
Beyond mechanisation, the administration has rolled out direct interventions targeting farmers across the state.
According to Peters, thousands of farmers have benefited from the distribution of improved seedlings, modern farm implements and agricultural support packages.
He disclosed that the government has also disbursed ₦2 billion in grants to farmers to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen value chains across different agricultural commodities.
The intervention, he said, is helping farmers expand cultivation, improve yields and enhance household incomes.
Ibom Model Farm to Drive Food Production
As part of efforts to guarantee food sufficiency, Peters revealed that the government is developing the Ibom Model Farm alongside demonstration farms in all local government areas.
The initiative, he explained, is intended to serve as a centre for modern agricultural practices, farmer training, research and technology transfer.
According to him, the demonstration farms will expose local farmers to improved farming techniques while increasing the production of staple food crops.
He noted that expanding local food production remains one of the state’s strategies for reducing rising food prices and strengthening food security.
Governor Approves ₦7.3 Billion for Women Cooperative Societies
In what Peters described as one of the administration’s most impactful empowerment programmes, Governor Umo Eno has approved ₦7.3 billion for women cooperative societies across Akwa Ibom State.
Under the initiative, each of the state’s 369 political wards will receive ₦20 million to support women-led agricultural businesses, cooperatives and small-scale enterprises.
According to Peters, the intervention is expected to improve access to capital for rural women, strengthen agricultural value chains and promote inclusive economic development.
He said empowering women entrepreneurs remains essential to increasing food production and improving household welfare.
“The administration recognises the central role women play in agriculture, food processing and rural commerce.
This investment will empower thousands of women to expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy,” he stated.
Agriculture at the Heart of the ARISE Agenda
Peters said the government’s agricultural reforms are closely aligned with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security and Economic Expansion.
He explained that the administration is deliberately shifting attention towards agriculture as a sustainable source of employment and internally generated revenue.
According to him, the state’s investments in farming, agro-processing and rural enterprises are expected to diversify Akwa Ibom’s economy while reducing dependence on crude oil revenues.
He added that the government remains committed to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of guaranteeing food security, creating wealth and improving the standard of living of residents.
Positioning Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s Agricultural Investment Destination
Peters say the combination of mechanised farming, oil palm revival, women’s economic empowerment and strategic public investment could strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as one of Nigeria’s emerging agricultural investment destinations.
With billions of naira already committed to agricultural development, the Umo Eno administration is seeking to transform the sector into a major contributor to economic growth, employment generation and rural prosperity.
The government’s long-term objective, according to Peters, is to ensure that agriculture becomes not only a source of food sufficiency but also a catalyst for industrialisation, export earnings and sustainable development across Akwa Ibom State.
