Attah, Others Rally $250m FDI For A/Ibom World Trade Centre Project

Determined to realize his age – long vision to reposition the state as the major technology hub in Nigeria and Africa, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, and other partners have rallied local and international investors – to revive the multi – billion Naira Ibom Science Park Park project.

Under the new regime, the project, would operate under its new nomenclature; Uyo World Trade Centre (WTC), according to the facilitators led by a business tycoon and former governorship aspirant, Mr. Iboro Otu, in a communque made available to Journalists in Uyo, the state capital.

This strategic partnership to revive the mega project, LEADERSHIP learnt, followed it abandonment by successive Governors – Godswill Akpabio, Udom Emmanuel and the current administration of Umo Eno, since Attah left office in 2007.

Announcing the taken over of the project, the Uyo Silicon Valley (USV), with Obong Attah, as the Chairman, stated that Strategic partnerships and major investment commitments became necessary “to position Akwa Ibom as
Nigeria’s technology and innovation capital.”

It disclosed that the World Trade Center Uyo, has operational licence under acquisition, adding that with $250 million Mezzanine Project Development Financing Facility, an international technology giants has expressed interest in the 35-hectare integrated Science Park project.

“The Silicon Valley Science Park (Nigeria) Limited,;developers of the ambitious Uyo Silicon Valley project, has announced significant
progress in the development of what is positioned to become Nigeria’s most strategic technology and innovation ecosystem.

“The announcement highlights the approval of the World Trade Center (WTC), Uyo brand on the project, substantial investment
commitments, and growing international interest from leading global technology
companies,” the group explained.

Explaining the scope of the project, the facilitators stated that “the Uyo Silicon Valley, is an integrated nine-cluster science and technology park
strategically designed to position Akwa Ibom State as the technology capital of Nigeria and establish a leading innovation ecosystem in West Africa.

“The project also to be branded World Trade Center Uyo, encompasses premium commercial office spaces, serviced residences, a 20-megawatt data centre cluster, international conference and exhibition centre, and eight specialized technology clusters including software development, artificial intelligence, aviation and aerospace tech, biotechnology, clean technology, advanced, manufacturing, film and digital media, and enterprise solutions.

“The project is envisioned as a comprehensive economic transformation initiative designed to catalyze technology development, entrepreneurship, research, commercialization, advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and global business connectivity,” the communque explained.

Upon completion, the project, according to them, is projected to generate annual gross revenues exceeding ₦190 billion and create over 100,000 direct and indirect labour jobs.