Photo File: The Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission in Lagos, Johnny Baxter

A delegation from the British High Commission in Lagos has visited Akwa Ibom State to explore trade and investment opportunities.

The team, led by Deputy High Commissioner Johnny Baxter, was received by Governor Umo Eno on Thursday. Eno highlighted his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on industrialisation, tourism, job creation, and infrastructure expansion.

He showcased key economic zones such as the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Ibom Industrial City, and Itam Industrial Park, while also unveiling upcoming projects including the Aviation Hub and Ibom Convention Centre.

Baxter praised Akwa Ibom’s development strides and described Ibom Air as “one of the best carriers in the country.” He also commended the state’s infrastructure, green landscape, and agricultural potential, affirming the UK’s interest in agriculture and tourism partnerships.

The visit reflects Britain’s broader post-Brexit strategy of deepening commercial ties with Nigerian states, beyond the national level. Other members of the delegation included Mark Smithson, Country Director at the Department for Business and Trade, and Dr. Fortune Alfred, Senior Political Adviser at the British High Commission.

Governor Eno noted the state’s collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute in tourism development and disclosed that underprivileged students from Akwa Ibom had recently benefitted from educational outreach in the UK. He said the state aims to position itself as an investment hub in the Gulf of Guinea through diversification beyond oil.

The British delegation also toured the ARISE Resort, a multi-billion-naira project that transformed a 70-hectare erosion site into a tourist destination.