Governor Umo Eno Revokes Illegal Land Titles at Tropicana Layout, Unveils Plans for World-Class Tourism Hub

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has revoked all illegal land allocations at the Tropicana layout in Uyo, restoring the site to its original master plan.

Speaking with Government House correspondents during an inspection of the proposed site for the ARISE Shopping City on Tuesday, the governor warned against encroachment on government land, emphasizing that such actions would no longer be tolerated.

“Although the land has remained unused for years, there have been numerous cases of encroachment,” Eno said. “That’s why I came here to revoke every illegal title and activity inconsistent with the original master plan.”

Governor Eno explained that his administration’s vision to transform Akwa Ibom into a leading tourism destination informed the revival of several stalled projects, including the 5,000-seat Ibom International Convention Centre, the 200-room Ibom International Hotel, and the new Ibom International Shopping City.

“We are building a comprehensive tourism ecosystem for Akwa Ibom,” he stated. “Previous administrations laid the foundation, and we are expanding on it to make our state the top tourist destination in Nigeria.”

According to him, the government’s tourism master plan will integrate assets across Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, and Oron, spanning sectors such as culture, heritage, agriculture, aviation, and medical tourism.

Eno added that the ARISE Shopping City project is designed to complement the state’s hospitality and entertainment infrastructure by providing a one-stop destination for shopping, lodging, and recreation.

“We need a shopping city with international brands where tourists can relax, shop, and enjoy world-class leisure without leaving the state,” he said. “The ARISE Shopping City represents that vision.”

The governor revealed that the project has a 12-month completion target and expressed optimism that, with Akwa Ibom’s extensive road network and peaceful atmosphere, the state would soon witness a surge in tourism and investment.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting government assets, stressing, “We will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to disrupt the peace and development of Akwa Ibom State.”