Akwa Ibom Govt Delivers 1,050 Housing Units In 3 Years, Expands Social Housing

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to decent, affordable and sustainable housing, with the administration of Governor Umo Eno having delivered a total of 1,050 housing units across various categories and locations in the State.

Commissioner for Housing, Rt. Hon. Dr. Henry Okon Archibong, made the disclosure on Monday, October 6, 2026, during a Ministerial Media Briefing at Government House, Uyo, where he presented the achievements, ongoing projects and strategic reforms of the Ministry under the Umo Eno administration.

Dr. Archibong said the administration views housing not merely as the provision of shelter, but as an important component of human development, urban planning, economic expansion and improved quality of life. According to him, the Governor’s approach is anchored on the development of decent, healthy, eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable communities, in line with the housing objectives of the ARISE Agenda and the broader principles of sustainable urban development.

He explained that the Ministry’s responsibilities extend beyond construction to include the formulation and implementation of housing policies, development and maintenance of public buildings, valuation of government properties, vetting and approval of building designs and Bills of Quantities, as well as the management of government properties within and outside the State.

The Commissioner said government had acquired and earmarked approximately 150 hectares of land across six locations in different Local Government Areas for housing development, while several projects were currently at various stages of completion.

Giving details of the projects, the Housing Commisioner said the phase one of the Aviation Village has reached 98 per cent completion. Located on approximately 15,072 square metres of fenced land, the estate comprises 100 housing units, made up of 50 two-bedroom and 50 three-bedroom apartments. He said the development also includes a model primary school, a 70,000-litre water facility with reticulation, 7.131 kilometres of roads, electricity, a police station and a solar-powered CCTV security system. The Commissioner disclosed that the Governor had directed that a secondary school be incorporated into the second phase of the Aviation Village.

He hinted that the development is part of the State Government’s broader effort to build an aviation ecosystem around the Victor Attah International Airport.

On the housing development within the Ibom Medical City, Archibong said the Ministry was constructing 100 residential units on approximately 11.8 hectares of land. The project comprises 50 three-bedroom bungalows and 50 four-bedroom terrace duplexes, with a model school and recreational facilities. He said the project, which is about 70 per cent completed, is designed to complement the administration’s investments in the health sector by providing appropriate residential infrastructure for medical professionals and other beneficiaries within the Medical City.

The Commissioner said the Executive and Legislators Quarters, located within the Dakadda Luxury Estate, cover approximately 14,181 square metres and comprise 64 five-bedroom duplexes — 32 for members of the Legislature and 32 for the Executive — alongside recreational facilities. He announced that the project is currently at about 40 per cent completion level.

He added that the Judiciary Quarters, located along Idongesit Nkanga Avenue on Ring Road III, occupy approximately 6.3 hectares and comprise 50 four-bedroom duplexes, each with two boys’ quarters.
The estate also includes security infrastructure, a recreational centre and conference hall and is currently about 70 per cent completed.

Archibong described the ARISE City Social and Affordable Housing Estate at Mbierebe Akpawat, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, as one of the key components of the administration’s current housing intervention.

He said construction was ongoing for 250 two-bedroom bungalows, with the first 100 units targeted for completion and delivery in December 2026. According to him, the project reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that its housing programme extends to ordinary citizens and families who require affordable housing, rather than being restricted to senior public officials.

The Governor’s housing interventions also includes the ARISE Compassionate Homes and Grace Estate. Beyond providing shelter, the Commissioner said the housing programme was generating significant economic activity across the State. He disclosed that between 5,000 and 6,000 persons were benefiting directly and indirectly from employment and other economic activities associated with the various construction sites.

Archibong described housing as both a social intervention and an economic-development tool, stressing that a vibrant housing sector stimulates demand across several industries and contributes to wider economic activity.

The Commissioner also disclosed that Governor Eno had constituted a committee to assess the Ewet Housing Estate, with a mandate to recommend measures for upgrading the estate and strengthening its security architecture. He said the committee had completed its assessment and evaluation of the affected areas and submitted its report to government for consideration.

Dr. Archibong further linked the State’s housing policy to the administration’s broader rural-development strategy, noting that Governor Eno had demonstrated a deliberate focus on opening up communities through road infrastructure and other basic amenities. He explained that effective housing development cannot be separated from roads, drainage, water, electricity, security, schools, healthcare and other facilities that make communities functional and sustainable.

While acknowledging that the State’s housing deficit remains a significant challenge, Archibong said government was strengthening partnerships with mortgage institutions, professional bodies, developers and other stakeholders to expand access to housing finance and encourage responsible private-sector participation.