Business owners in Akwa Ibom State have received crucial advice to adopt innovative thinking and overcome governmental obstacles that hinder their growth and success. The call came during a recent business engagement session where entrepreneurs voiced their frustrations about the challenging business environment in the state.
Business Challenges in Akwa Ibom
Local investors and business operators highlighted several critical issues affecting their operations during the meeting. Delays in obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) emerged as a major concern, with business owners revealing that these bureaucratic hurdles have led to serious complications with international partners.
Several entrepreneurs disclosed that their foreign collaborators have begun accusing them of fraudulent activities due to unresolved land title difficulties. The situation has become so dire that many Akwa Ibom citizens living abroad who are seeking genuine investment opportunities back home are being discouraged by the current business climate.
Business owners made a passionate appeal to the state government to urgently implement comprehensive ease of doing business reforms that would attract both local and international investors. They specifically called for improvements in tax harmonization, development of standard industrial estates, and better road infrastructure.
The Mayor of Housing's Response
My-ACE China, popularly known as The Mayor of Housing and CEO of Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, delivered an inspiring message to the business community. He charged entrepreneurs to strive for success despite governmental challenges and learn to think outside conventional boundaries.
The real estate expert, who is currently promoting the Alesa Highlands Green Smart City near Port Harcourt, shared practical investment strategies with the business owners. Embrace real estate as a viable investment path, he advised, noting that the wealth of the Earth is fundamentally tied to the earth itself.
China emphasized the importance of converting labor into mental capital rather than wasting resources. He shared his personal journey to success, revealing that despite his academic achievements, he needed to undergo apprenticeship to truly understand business operations.
Government Assurance and Way Forward
Responding to the concerns raised, Mrs. Meflyn Anwana, Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship to Governor Umo Eno, provided reassurances to the investment community. She acknowledged the challenges but stated that numerous incentives and packages are underway to improve the investment landscape in Akwa Ibom State.
Anwana explained that many of the current business woes were inherited by the present administration, but Governor Umo Eno has already implemented solutions that will show immediate impact once officially unveiled. Her statements received support from the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Lady Emem Ibanga, who emphasized her ministry's commitment to reducing suffering among vulnerable populations.
The business engagement session, which took place on November 21, 2025, was part of the Mayor's week-long business activities in Akwa Ibom State. The event also coincided with the commissioning of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Enwang, Mbo local government headquarters, signaling a renewed focus on entrepreneurial development in the region.
