Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining an investment – friendly climate in the State.
The Governor stated this Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the official opening of a branch of Signature Bank in Uyo.
He noted that the State has become a destination of choice, blessed with a world class road network, a hardworking and resourceful population, and an administration which is priming the State to become a tourism hub.
The Governor, a successful business man, said the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprise is a critical component of his development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, adding that the ease of doing business policy of his administration is aimed at attracting investments to the State.
“We will continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The peace that we enjoy, and the serenity of our State are all enablers of investment. Very soon, we are going to launch the AkwaGIS, which makes it easy for organisations to have their Certificates of Occupancy, which is a major component of doing business with the bank.
“Our electricity reforms to make power available 24/7 in the State are also ongoing. We are doing several things in the economy to make it easy for businesses to thrive here. So, we thank you for coming, and I can only assure you, by the grace of God, that you will not regret setting up your bank in Uyo and, indeed, Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Signature Bank, Mr Nixon Iwedi, who described the event as more than just an establishment of a new branch, said it marked the beginning of a strategic relationship between the bank, the people and businesses of Akwa Ibom State.
He commended the State Governor for creating a business- friendly environment, adding that the choice of the State for a branch, was due its investment- friendly atmosphere.
Similarly, the Board Chairman, Alhaji Tijani Borodo, said the Bank was established with a clear understanding that the future of banking would depend on the ability of financial institutions to understand customers, respond to their needs and deploy technology while maintaining meaningful personal relationships.
He said Akwa Ibom State has become a destination of choice for investors, adding that the Governor’s intentionality at actualising the components of the ARISE Agenda would better be achieved through private partnership.
On its part, the Central Bank of Nigeria, represented by the Head of Currency Operations, Mrs. Duoye Alalebo said the establishment of the branch was a reflection of the confidence in the economic potential of Akwa Ibom State, adding that the new bank would contribute to deepening financial inclusion in the State.
