Akwa Ibom State is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, it was created on the 23 September, 1987 and it is located in the Southern part of Nigeria. Its capital city is Uyo and other major cities in the state are Eket, Oron, Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Abasi. The state derives its name from the Qua Iboe River. Akwa Ibom shares borders with Rivers State, Abia State, Cross Rivers State and the Atlantic Ocean.
Akwa Ibom State is considered to be amongst the biggest states in Nigeria in terms of population; it can boast of having a population of well over 5 million people. Although English is considered to be the major means of communication in Akwa Ibom, but other indigenous languages like Ibibio, Annang, Eket, Igbo and also Oron are also widely spoken in the State.
Akwa Ibom is considered to be one of the richest states in Nigeria and it contributes the largest percentage to the coffers of the Federal government. Akwa Ibom state is the highest producer of oil and gas in Nigeria, and it is the base of Mobil Oil Producing Company Nigeria.
In terms of infrastructure, Akwa Ibom is rated as one of the leading states in Nigeria, the state can boast of having a world class Stadium (sports complex), 2 Seaports, International Airport, Hospitals, Hotels, Good Roads and Nigeria’s first world class E – Library et al. Aside from the oil and gas industry, agriculture, tourism and fishing is also a major source of income for the indigenes of the state.
If you are an entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business in Akwa Ibom, then you should consider this top 10 business opportunities available in Akwa Ibom State;
10 Small Business Investment Opportunities in Akwa Ibom
1. Supply Chain Business
Akwa Ibom state is one of the states in Nigeria that is rapidly developing and there are several business opportunities there. One of the easiest businesses an entrepreneur can successfully start in Akwa Ibom is the supply chain business. Supply chain business is all about supplying essential commodities to companies, homes, schools, hotels and government establishment et al. The truth is that, once you are able to secure contracts to supply essential commodities to 3 or more government establishment, then you will be on your way to becoming a successful business man or woman.
2. Taxi Business
Akwa Ibom state is one of the states in Nigeria that can boast of having loads of visitors from Nigeria and abroad year in year out and these visitors would need a means to move from one part of town to another. Taxi happens to be the most convenient means of transportation in Akwa Ibom state and it is indeed a viable and very lucrative business. You can start from transporting people from the airport to their hotel or residence. One good thing about this business is that there is no limit to how big you can grow it.
3. Hotel Business
Hotels have been springing up in various part of the state simply because of the increase in the numbers of visitors that visit the state. If you have the financial capacity, you can build a standard hotel in any of the major cities in Akwa Ibom state and you will definitely have loads of people patronizing you. Expatriates that work in various oil fields, football clubs and other tourists should be your target.
4. Corporate Cleaning Business
Akwa Ibom people are known to be one of the hardworking people in Nigeria and they are very good with cleaning. If you are looking for a business to start in Akwa Ibom state, you can consider starting your own corporate cleaning business; there are loads of organizations that will need your service.
5. Skill Acquisition Centre
Establishing a skill acquisition centre is another profitable business that an entrepreneur can start in Akwa Ibom State. You can operate the business in conjunction with the state government or you can run it as an independent centre. If you choose to work with the government, then you are likely going to admit students for free and the government will take care of their bills. But if you choose to go solo, then it means you would have to charge your students fees.
6. Night Club Business
In recent times, the night life in Akwa Ibom state has been on the increase. If you are looking for a futuristic business to do in Akwa Ibom State, then you should consider starting your own Night club in any of the major cities in the state. Of course, you are going to have enough clients visiting your night club, but do note that you must make the adequate provision for expansion because the business will surely explode in the nearest future.
7. Daycare Service
Daycare service is yet another viable and profitable business that an entrepreneur can successfully start in Akwa Ibom State. Just ensure that you choose a good location to establish your daycare and then market your service to working class parents.
8. Transportation Business
Transportation business is another business that an entrepreneur can also start in Akwa Ibom State. Although the business is capital intensive, but if it is well managed, you are going to get good returns on your investment. Akwa Ibom can be your base, whilst you transport passengers to other parts of the country.
9. IT Shop
If you are skilled in IT, then you should consider starting your own IT shop; a place where people can come buy IT gadgets and also a place where people can come repair their gadgets. The truth is that once you choose a good location and you make your IT shop a one stop shop, then you will have loads of customers patronizing you daily.
10. Outdoor Catering Business
Another thriving business to start in Akwa State is outdoor catering business. Once you are good at what you do, you will sure secure loads of contracts not just within the state but also from other states in Nigeria.
There you have it; the top 10 business opportunities in Akwa Ibom State.