As the Akwa Ibom State Government says it plans to invest 16 billion naira to reform tourism sector, an anti-corruption and environmental justice group, Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction , NAPPDRR has called for transparency in the implementation of the envisaged reforms.
Executive Director of the group, Hon. Al Mustapher Emem Edoho, who made the call in an interview with our correspondent in Uyo, Tuesday, August, 26, noted said if the reforms is carried out with transparency and the sector is revamped, it has the potential of generating employment and boosting the depressed economy of Akwa Ibom State.
”It depends on the intent and seriousness of the Governor. If it is done with good will and sincerity, it can create jobs and boost the state internally generated revenue.”
The State Commissioner of Culture Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, now commissioner for Lands and Housing, who presented a proposal of 16 million naira for the reforms of the sector during a bilateral discussion with 2026 budget committee in Uyo recently, noted that Tourism is a strategic pillar of the Governor’s ARISE agenda.
He said the 2026 budget will focus largely on the development of major tourism hubs across the state including Ikot Abasi, Itu, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo local government areas.
He appealed to the budget committee to give consideration to the proposal with a view to addressing the challenges confronting the sector to pave the way for tourists, visitors and investors, to make Akwa Ibom their number one tourism destination.
