The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, is expected to commission strategic road projects in Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The event, according to Dr. Essien Ndueso, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation, will take place in Ika Local Government Area. Projects lined up for commissioning include the 14.13km Ikot Esu–Azumini road linking Akwa Ibom State to Azumini in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, as well as the 1.53km Ikot Udom internal roads, which lead to the country home of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Speaking during a pre-commissioning inspection tour with journalists on Tuesday, Dr. Ndueso stressed that the road holds immense economic value for both Akwa Ibom and Abia States.
He explained that although construction of the project began under the administration of former governor Udom Emmanuel, it has now been completed and delivered under Governor Umo Eno’s leadership.
The Ikot Esu–Azumini road project runs from Ikot Esu-Otomo in Ika LGA of Akwa Ibom and extends into Azumini Ndoki community in Abia State.
Azumini Protest Over Encroachment Fears
However, the road initiative has not been without controversy. Residents of Azumini Ndoki had earlier staged protests, voicing concerns over possible territorial encroachment by the Akwa Ibom State Government. Community leaders alleged that similar experiences of boundary encroachments in the past had made the people wary of the new project.
But in response, the Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, dismissed the fears as unnecessary. He maintained that the project was solely aimed at enhancing economic integration and improving the welfare of citizens in both states.
“Rather than lose sleep over fears of encroachment, the people of Abia should appreciate the developmental benefits that this road will bring to the region,” Nwoko told reporters.
The commissioning of the roads by Wike is expected to further cement inter-state connectivity and boost economic activities across the Akwa Ibom–Abia corridor.
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