In a bid to redirect the attention of the Akwa Ibom State government, a renowned expert in the oil and gas sector, Prof. Esang Esitikot, has revealed how rural communities hold key to the state’s economic future.
Esitikot while delivering the guest lecture at the 2026 Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE, Abak Branch Conference, held at the Independence Hall, Abak, noted that the state’s rural areas can be transformed from poverty into thriving economic engines.
In his opinion, the long-term economic stability of the state relies heavily on turning its rural communities into productive economic engines.
Speaking on the theme: “The Arise Blueprint: Engineering Rural Prosperity in Akwa Ibom State,” the expert noted that more than half of the state’s population resides outside urban centres.
Etisikot, who is a COREN-certified chemical engineer observed that whilst rural areas drive agriculture and labour, deep infrastructure deficits continue to push ambitious youth towards congested cities.
Using the “Push-Pull” migration model, he explained that poor roads, erratic power, and limited digital access force young people away, while city job prospects pull them in.
He insisted that targeted engineering investments in rural infrastructure, digital connectivity, and healthcare are essential to reverse these push factors and retain local talent.
Translating the state’s ARISE Agenda into five core pillars—agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructure maintenance, security, and educational advancement, Esitikot described engineering as the key driver converting policy goals into tangible development.
Though acknowledging natural advantages such as fertile land, a strategic coastline, and peaceful surroundings, he warned that energy poverty, poor feeder roads, and post-harvest losses remain major bottlenecks.
Proposing a model where rural prosperity equals infrastructure, innovation, investment, institutions, and inclusive governance, he described rural investment as a high-return economic strategy.
To boost efficiency, he recommended regional specialisation: coastal LGAs focusing on oil, gas, and marine commerce; upland areas driving agriculture and renewables; and urban corridors leading manufacturing.
Esitikot highlighted the state’s strong energy foundation, including 20 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves and a $3.5 billion gas-industrialisation deal with NNPC and GACN. Combined with ₦743 billion committed to farm-to-market roads, Victor Attah International Airport, and the Ibom Deep Sea Port, the infrastructure framework for growth is already emerging.
His words: “Achieving full rural transformation by 2036 requires unified action from government, engineers, communities, and private investors.
“Akwa Ibom State’s future depends on its ability to empower rural communities.”
The conference also featured key technical presentations, including papers by Dr. Udeme Iton on “Sustainable Rural Infrastructure: Engineering the Last Mile,” Mr Michael Akpan on “Powering the Grassroots: Renewable Energy for Rural Industrialisation,” Dr Augustine Ubong on “Precision Agriculture: Engineering Solutions for Food Security,” and Prof. Obotowo Obot on “Digital Engineering and Smart Security for Rural Communities.”
Earlier, NSE Abak Branch Chairman, Mr Nsikak Akpan, gave the welcome remarks, whilst former Deputy Dean of Engineering at the University of Uyo, Prof. Essien Udoh, chaired the technical session.
The 2026 Engineering Week event which featured an exhibition and secretariat groundbreaking, will end with induction ceremony and awards dinner for outstanding personalities such as the member representing Ukanafun and Oruk Anam LGAs in the Federal House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem.
