By Elizabeth Johnny
Akwa Ibom State is poised to attract a major industrial investment valued at approximately $2 billion following plans to establish an ammonia fertilizer complex in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, a development expected to strengthen the State’s position as an emerging agro-industrial hub in West Africa.
The proposed facility, being championed by Multi-Purpose Industrial Platforms Limited (MIPL), is designed to produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of ammonia and one million metric tonnes of phosphate fertilizers annually at full capacity.
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while supporting Nigeria’s drive for agricultural and industrial self-sufficiency.
This was made known when a delegation of MIPL comprising of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and OCP of Morocco visited the Investment House, AKICORP on Monday June 1 ,2026. The Delegation later on Tuesday June 2 2026 visited the project site in Ikot Abasi.
Speaking during the engagement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MIPL, Mr. Mostafa Bouita, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for allocating 250 hectares of land at Ekpobre Village in Ikot Abasi for the project.
Mr Bouita described the proposed ammonia fertilizer complex as one of the largest industrial investments planned for West Africa, noting that the facility would significantly boost regional fertilizer production capacity while deepening economic cooperation and industrial development.
“The $2 billion ammonia and fertilizer complex will be one of the largest in West Africa when completed. At full capacity, it will produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of ammonia and one million metric tonnes of phosphate fertilizer annually,” he said.
He also praised the State Government for the speed, transparency and professionalism demonstrated throughout the engagement process, adding that the investors were prepared to transfer technical expertise and make long-term commitments to Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector, with Akwa Ibom serving as a strategic destination for the investment.
Mr Bouita appealed for sustained cooperation, security and stakeholder support to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
On behalf of the State Government, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacob, described the investment interest as a strong endorsement of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and the State’s growing reputation as a preferred investment destination.
“This engagement demonstrates that Akwa Ibom is open for seriou business. We are not merely allocating land; we are guaranteeing an enabling environment for investors who create value for our people who create value for our people “, Jacob said.
Jacob assured community stakeholders that all affected landowners and farmers would be properly identified, valued and compensated before project execution, emphasizing Governor Eno’s commitment to fairness, transparency and inclusive development.
According to him, the project aligns with the State’s Agricultural Revolution Agenda and is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fertilizer imports while stimulating economic growth, industrial expansion and employment opportunities.
The Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Dr Ubong Inyang , welcomed the delegation and assured investors that all land documentation and regulatory approvals would be processed in accordance with established procedures.
He explained that the allocation of the 250-hectare site followed detailed verification and conforms with the State’s physical planning framework for sustainable industrial development.
The delegation later inspected the proposed project site at Ekpobre Village in Ikot Abasi, where traditional rulers and community leaders expressed support for the investment initiative.
Representatives of the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, Edidem (Dr.) Udo Joe Ntuk Obom XII, urged the investors to adopt an inclusive development model that prioritises local employment, skills acquisition and community development programmes.
Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, pledged the support of the council and local residents for the project, while Youth and Women Leaders called for a clearly defined Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address environmental, health and community development concerns.
Stakeholders were informed that the next phase of the project would involve detailed technical surveys, environmental impact assessments and the finalisation of compensation arrangements with affected communities.
The proposed fertilizer complex is expected to leverage Akwa Ibom’s strategic location, abundant natural gas resources and emerging industrial infrastructure to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the regional fertilizer market and broader agricultural value chain.
John is a staff of Media and Public Relations Unit, AKICORP
