A high-powered delegation from the British High Commission in Lagos on Thursday embarked on a trade and investment mission to Akwa Ibom State, signalling the United Kingdom’s renewed push to deepen commercial ties with Nigeria at both national and sub-national levels.
The team, led by the Deputy High Commissioner, Johnny Baxter, was warmly received by Governor Umo Eno at Government House, Uyo.
The visit, coming against the backdrop of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to expand trade relations in Africa, particularly with Nigeria, reflects London’s determination to explore new frontiers of economic cooperation.
Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important trading partners in Africa, and British officials have increasingly recognised the role of state governments in shaping investment policies.
Baxter explained that the Commission’s Lagos office has been focusing on commercial opportunities across southern Nigeria, adding that Akwa Ibom stood out as a state with impressive growth potential.
“I have long been looking forward to getting to Akwa Ibom State,” Baxter said. “What I have seen so far is impressive.
The infrastructure, the roads, and the lush scenery reflect both economic promise and agricultural potential. Ibom Air, in particular, feels like one of the best flight carriers in the country, and that is something everyone should be proud of.”
He also highlighted agriculture and tourism as sectors of strong interest to the UK, pledging that the British government would continue to foster partnerships that could stimulate long-term growth.
Governor Umo Eno used the visit to showcase his administration’s flagship ARISE Agenda, which focuses on industrialisation, rural development, infrastructure, security, and education.
He pointed out that the state had made deliberate efforts to position itself as a competitive investment hub in the Gulf of Guinea region.
“Our administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors,” Eno told the delegation.
“We are developing industrial parks, economic zones, and tourism hubs, all of which are designed to attract foreign partners and generate jobs for our people.”
Among the key projects highlighted were the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Ibom Industrial City, and the Itam Industrial Park.
The governor revealed plans to provide off-grid power for the parks, ensuring reliable energy supply to industries.
He also mentioned the Aviation Hub project, the Ibom Convention Centre, and the Ikot Ekpene International Market, emphasising that Akwa Ibom is Nigeria’s first sub-national to establish an integrated aviation ecosystem.
Eno further underlined the state’s commitment to education, disclosing that underprivileged students had been sponsored for academic outreach programmes in the UK as part of efforts to broaden their exposure and ambition.
The governor stressed Nigeria’s deep historical and cultural ties with Britain, noting that Akwa Ibom has also benefitted from UK humanitarian interventions.
He cited the state’s collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute, especially in tourism development, as evidence of the strong foundation for bilateral cooperation.
“This special relationship continues to evolve, and Akwa Ibom stands ready to take advantage of it,” Eno said.
Baxter, in his response, praised the state’s transformation, noting that within 24 hours of arriving, he had been struck by the level of infrastructural development and the tourism potential showcased by the ARISE Resort, a once erosion-ravaged ravine now converted into a luxury attraction.
The British diplomat remarked that Akwa Ibom’s lush greenery and fertile lands made it an ideal hub for agricultural investments.
He also acknowledged the state’s progress in air transport through Ibom Air, which he described as a model for other Nigerian carriers.
The delegation included Mark Smithson, Country Director of the Department for Business and Trade; Dr. Fortune Alfred, Senior Political Adviser and Head of the British High Commission’s South-South Regional Office; and Wale Adebajo, Senior Political Adviser at the British Deputy High Commission, Lagos.
Together, they explored opportunities in agriculture, energy, tourism, and infrastructure, aligning with the UK’s goal of building mutually beneficial economic partnerships in Africa.
Akwa Ibom, one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing states, has increasingly turned to non-oil sectors to diversify its economy.
With fluctuating global oil prices and Nigeria’s national push for diversification, Governor Eno’s administration has prioritised manufacturing, tourism, and aviation as growth drivers.
Signature projects such as the Ibom Industrial City, the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and Ibom Air have strengthened Akwa Ibom’s position as a regional hub for investment.
The state government has also ramped up infrastructure development to attract both local and foreign investors.
Analysts say the British delegation’s visit demonstrates growing recognition of Nigerian states as critical players in foreign investment attraction.
Unlike in the past, when trade relations were largely negotiated at the federal level, sub-national governments now play a more direct role in securing investment deals.
For Akwa Ibom, the endorsement by British officials could open doors to partnerships in tourism, agribusiness, clean energy, and education.
For the UK, the mission fits into its broader Africa Strategy to strengthen economic links beyond oil and gas and to diversify into sectors that align with global sustainable development goals.
Observers note that if properly harnessed, the visit could yield tangible results, including UK-backed agricultural projects, tourism investments, and renewable energy partnerships in Akwa Ibom.
For Governor Eno, the challenge will be to translate this diplomatic goodwill into concrete deals that deliver jobs and inclusive growth.
The mission also highlights how Nigerian states are increasingly competing for foreign capital, using their unique strengths to court investors.
With its growing aviation industry, industrial zones, and fertile agricultural base, Akwa Ibom appears well-positioned to benefit from this trend.
As Baxter concluded during his visit:
“Akwa Ibom is a state of promise.
What I have seen here reinforces my belief that partnerships between the UK and Nigerian states can deliver real impact for businesses and communities alike.”