The Akwa Ibom State Government has acquired 150 hectares of land across six locations for housing development, with 1,048 housing units at various stages of completion. The state's Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong, disclosed this, stating that the Ministry of Housing is implementing projects that go beyond roofing to create affordable, sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable communities. This initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable urban development.
Dr. Archibong explained that the Ministry of Housing's vision is to become a model institution for effective service delivery by promoting operational efficiency and optimal use of resources to provide decent, quality, and affordable housing. The ministry's statutory responsibilities include formulating and implementing policies for design, construction, and maintenance of public buildings, as well as managing state-owned properties in Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the country.
Key ongoing projects include Aviation Village Phase 1, Doctors' Residence at Ibom Medical City, Executive and Legislative Quarters, Judiciary Quarters, and the ARISE City Social and Affordable Housing Estate. The Aviation village, sited on 15.072 square meters of fenced land, comprises 100 housing units - 50 two-bedroom and 50 three-bedroom apartments - and is 98% completed. The estate also features a model primary school, 70,000-liter water reticulation system, 7.13km road network, electrification, police station, and solar-powered CCTV.
The Doctors' Residence at Medical City, covering 11.8 hectares, comprises 50 three-bedroom bungalows and 50 terrace four-bedroom duplexes, with a model school and recreational facilities, and is 70% completed. The Judiciary Quarters, located along Idongesit Nkanga Avenue, Ring Road 3, occupies 6.3 hectares and comprises 50 four-bedroom duplexes with two boys' quarters each, recreational center, and conference hall, and is 70% completed.
Dr. Archibong listed other interventions by the administration, including 500 ARISE Compassionate Homes, of which 438 have been completed and delivered, 236 units of flats at Grace Estate with 150 allocated to civil servants, 35 units of duplexes at Ewet Luxury Garden, and 31 residences for Local Government Chairmen under construction. These projects are impacting the state economy, with between 5,000 and 6,000 persons benefiting directly and indirectly through employment and ancillary services.
The housing projects have also provided daily earnings of between N7,000 and N12,000 for artisans and laborers. Dr. Archibong noted that housing is both a social intervention and an economic development tool, and it is the single most important facilitator of economic growth. He also disclosed that Governor Umo Eno had constituted a committee to give the Ewet Housing Estate a facelift and enhance its security architecture.
Dr. Archibong acknowledged that the housing deficit remains a challenge and that government alone cannot address it. The ministry is strengthening collaboration with mortgage institutions, professional bodies, and private developers to improve housing finance and expand affordable housing supply. The Akwa Ibom State Government's efforts aim to address the housing needs of its citizens and promote sustainable urban development.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Government has acquired 150 hectares of land for housing development, with 1,048 housing units at various stages of completion.
- The Ministry of Housing is implementing projects that align with the ARISE Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable urban development.
- The housing projects have provided employment and ancillary services to between 5,000 and 6,000 persons, with daily earnings of between N7,000 and N12,000 for artisans and laborers.
