Akwa Ibom State has long been described as a "civil service state." The phrase reflects a reality that has shaped the state's economy for decades, government remains the largest employer, and thousands of families depend on monthly salaries for survival. While the civil service has provided stability and livelihoods for many, overdependence on government employment has also created economic challenges that deserve urgent attention.

In many communities across the state, economic activity rises and falls with salary payments. Markets become busier when workers are paid, while businesses experience slower sales when salaries are delayed. This pattern reveals an economy driven more by public spending than by productive enterprise such dependence leaves the state vulnerable to fluctuations in government revenue and limits sustainable economic growth.

One of the most significant effects of this dependence is unemployment among young people. Every year, thousands of graduates leave universities hoping to secure government jobs, often viewing the civil service as the safest career path. Unfortunately, the number of available positions is far smaller than the number of applicants. As a result, many talented young people remain unemployed or underemployed while waiting for opportunities that may never come.

Another consequence is the slow growth of the private sector. When government dominates employment, entrepreneurship, private investment often receive less attention. 

Small businesses struggle to access finance, industries remain underdeveloped, and innovation is slowed. Rather than creating wealth through production and exports, much of the economy revolves around the circulation of government salaries.

This dependence also encourages a culture where success is measured by securing a government appointment instead of building businesses, developing skills, or creating jobs. Over time, this mindset can reduce creativity, discourage risk-taking, and limit the state's economic potential.

 Akwa Ibom possesses enormous advantages that could transform its economy. The state has fertile agricultural land, abundant seafood resources, a strategic coastal location, rich oil and gas reserves, a growing tourism sector, and a vibrant, educated youth population. These assets provide a strong foundation for economic diversification.

THE WAY FORWARD 

1. The way forward begins with strengthening agriculture beyond subsistence farming, investing in commercial farming, food processing, storage facilities, and agro-industrial clusters to create jobs and reduce dependence on imported food. Farmers should be connected to markets, modern technology, and affordable financing.

2. Industrialization must also become a priority. Establishing industrial parks and supporting manufacturers with reliable infrastructure, electricity, and business friendly policies would encourage local production and attract investors. 

3. Rather than exporting raw materials, Akwa Ibom can create more value by processing them locally.

4. Supporting entrepreneurship is equally important. Young people need access to vocational training, business development services, startup funding, and mentorship. Schools and universities should emphasize innovation, digital skills, and entrepreneurship alongside traditional academic education.

5. Tourism offers another untapped opportunity. With its beautiful coastline, cultural heritage, festivals, and hospitality infrastructure, Akwa Ibom can attract more visitors by investing in destination marketing, transportation, and recreational facilities.

6. Finally, government should position itself not only as an employer but as an enabler of economic growth. By creating policies that encourage investment, simplify business registration, improve infrastructure, and support the private sector, the state can stimulate sustainable job creation beyond the public service.

FINAL NOTE

The future of Akwa Ibom does not lie in abandoning the civil service. A strong and efficient public service remains essential for governance and development. However, true prosperity will come when the state's economy is powered by thriving businesses, productive industries, innovative entrepreneurs, and a workforce whose opportunities extend far beyond government offices.

The question is no longer whether Akwa Ibom can diversify its economy. It is whether the state is ready to embrace a future where prosperity is created not only by salaries but by enterprise, innovation, and production. That future is within reach if deliberate action is taken today. 

Affected locations include Nkemba Street (Abak Road), Itu Road, Osongama Estate, Shelter Afrique, and some parts of Abak Local Government Area. Residents reported submerged roads, stranded vehicles, and water entering homes.

In response, Governor Umo Eno directed construction companies to immediately begin draining excess water, while the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Environment, and other agencies were tasked with damage assessment and relief efforts. No fatalities were reported, though many residents experienced disruption and property damage.

This is a recurring issue during the rainy season, often linked to drainage challenges and waste disposal in the city.

Have you been affected by the flooding in Uyo? The Government or the People, who is responsible for these reoccurrences? What do you think could help prevent this in the future?

Following the Federal Government’s approval for Victor Attah International Airport to operate international flights (secured in late 2025), the state upgraded the new terminal to international standards.

The maiden international flight operated by Ibom Air took off in May 2026 (with scheduled operations firming up by late June). This means no more expensive and time-consuming connections - saving both time and money (connecting fares were often nearly double).

As of now, Ibom Air operates two direct flights per week from Uyo to Accra (Kotoka International Airport).

This is a big win for Akwa Ibom and the South-South region!

Who else is excited about this development? Have you flown the route yet? Share your experience.

Then I ask, does it mean that, if a man does not tell his wife the amount he earns as salary nor the wife, her husband of how much she makes from her business, they both do not love each other and so, cannot trust themselves?

What say you?

How Can Successful Akwa Ibom Professionals Living Outside the State Contribute to Development Back Home?

Leaving Akwa Ibom does not have to mean leaving Akwa Ibom behind.

A lawyer in Abuja, a banker in Lagos, a software engineer in Europe, a doctor in the United States, or an entrepreneur in Port Harcourt can all remain active contributors to the state's future.

In my opinion, the question should not be:

When are you coming home? Instead, ask:

How can your success create opportunities for others back home?

A few insights.

 1. Become Mentors.

Many young people in Akwa Ibom lack access to experienced professionals who can guide their careers.

Professionals living elsewhere can:

• Hold online career sessions.

• Mentor students.

• Review CVs.

• Conduct mock interviews.

• Help young entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes.

One hour a month from hundreds of professionals could have a significant impact.

 2. Invest in Local Businesses.

Instead of investing only in major cities, diaspora professionals can support promising businesses in Akwa Ibom by:

• Providing capital.

• Offering business advice.

• Connecting businesses to wider markets.

Investment does not have to be large to make a difference when it is well targeted.

 3. Open Branch Offices

Business owners who have succeeded outside the state can consider opening branches, service centers, or production facilities in Akwa Ibom where commercially viable.

This can:

• Create jobs.

• Build local skills.

• Increase economic activity.

4. Employ Akwa Ibom Youths

Technology now makes remote work possible.

A business based in Lagos or abroad can hire qualified staff who live in Akwa Ibom if they have the necessary skills and reliable connectivity.

5. Share Professional Networks

Sometimes opportunity comes through introductions rather than funding.

Professionals can connect:

• Local startups with investors.

• Artists with producers.

• Farmers with buyers.

• Exporters with international markets.

 6. Support Education

Rather than only donating buildings, professionals can:

• Sponsor scholarships.

• Donate books and equipment.

• Organize career talks.

• Support coding clubs and innovation programs.

• Help improve vocational training.

7. Return Periodically to Teach

Many professionals could spend a few days each year delivering workshops in schools, universities, hospitals, or business associations.

Knowledge transfer is often as valuable as financial support.

8. Promote Akwa Ibom

Successful people are ambassadors.They can highlight:

• Tourism.

• Investment opportunities.

• Local products.

• Cultural heritage.

• Business potential.

Positive visibility can attract visitors and investors.

9. Support Creative Industries

Filmmakers, musicians, photographers, writers, chefs, fashion designers, and theatre practitioners often need collaboration more than charity.

Experienced professionals can:

• Produce projects locally.

• Commission local talent.

• Offer internships.

• Sponsor festivals and exhibitions.

10. Give Back Strategically

Rather than many small donations with little lasting impact, groups of professionals could pool resources to fund projects such as:

•Community libraries.

• Skills acquisition centers.

•Health outreach.

•Entrepreneurship hubs.

•Innovation laboratories.

A well-managed collective initiative may achieve more than many individual efforts.

 What Government Can Do

Government also has a role in encouraging engagement by:

• Creating a reliable diaspora database.

• Hosting annual investment and innovation forums.

• Making it easier to establish businesses.

• Providing transparent information on investment opportunities.

• Recognizing individuals who make meaningful contributions.

 A Shared Responsibility.

Development cannot rest on government alone, nor can it depend entirely on those who have left.

Progress is strongest when government creates an enabling environment, businesses invest, communities and professionals—whether they live in Uyo, Lagos, London, or Houston—stay connected to the place they call home.

 A Question Worth Asking

Perhaps the most powerful question is not:

What has Akwa Ibom done for me?

But:

"Now that I have succeeded elsewhere, what can I do to help create opportunities for someone who is where I once was?"

If thousands of successful Akwa Ibom professionals each mentored one young person, supported one business, created one job, or funded one community initiative, the cumulative effect could be transformative. The aim is not to ask everyone to return permanently but to encourage many forms of sustained contribution that strengthen the state's future while respecting each person's career choices.

Michael Bassey