Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has secured approval for the establishment of a bonded terminal in the state, a development expected to significantly boost trade, logistics, and economic activities in the region.
The approval was granted following a courtesy visit by the Governor to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
A bonded terminal is a secured facility where imported goods can be stored and processed under customs control before the payment of duties, thereby easing congestion at seaports and improving the efficiency of cargo distribution.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the Customs leadership for the approval, describing it as a major milestone in the state’s drive to become a preferred destination for investment and commerce.
He noted that the facility would help streamline trade processes, reduce delays in cargo clearance, and ultimately lower the cost of doing business for importers and exporters operating within and around the state.
According to the Governor, the bonded terminal aligns with his administration’s broader vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a strategic gateway for commerce, not only within Nigeria but across the Gulf of Guinea.
“This bonded terminal will reduce the cost of doing business, attract investment, and firmly position Akwa Ibom as a strategic gateway for commerce in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.” he said.
Governor Eno further explained that the development comes at a crucial time as the state intensifies efforts to upgrade the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo for full international operations, positioning it as a hub for cargo and passenger traffic.
The Governor emphasized that improved logistics infrastructure, including the bonded terminal, would attract both local and foreign investors, stimulate industrial growth, and create employment opportunities for residents.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, commended Governor Eno for his commitment to infrastructural development, particularly in the aviation sector.
He observed that such investments are vital for enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and driving sustainable economic growth across the country.
It is believed that the establishment of the bonded terminal will not only decongest major ports but also bring customs services closer to businesses in the South-South region, thereby improving turnaround time for cargo handling.
With this approval, Akwa Ibom State is set to strengthen its position as an emerging logistics and aviation hub, reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
