Citizens Assembly Demands Policy Reforms to Strengthen Non-Oil Sectors
The Citizens Global Roundup for Good leadership initiative also known as the Citizens Assembly, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to strengthen non-oil sectors by implementing urgent policy reforms that are critical to the sectors’ growth.
In a communiqué jointly signed by Citizen Victor Albert and Citizen Uwem Okodiyah, Leaders of the Assembly, along- side Citizen Michael Ita, Clerk of the Assembly, and Citizen Akanimo Victor, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, on Wednesday at the end of a three-day On-Air Summit held between December 2nd to 5th, 2025, at the studios of XL 106.9 FM, Uyo; the Assembly called for accelerated reforms across agriculture, ICT and the maritime economy sectors.
The Citizens Assembly, a civic forum is designed to collate citizens’ perspectives on governance and development, and to present policy recommendations that reflect grassroots expectations for the future of Akwa Ibom State.
The Assembly said the engagement brought together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and citizens to identify gaps in existing development ef- forts and propose actions to support sustainable growth across the three sectors identified as the State’s strongest post-oil prospects.
Speaking on the summit, the assembly disclosed it reviewed opportunities in agriculture, ICT, and the Blue Economy under the theme, “Reimagining Akwa Ibom: Economic Prospects and Opportunities Beyond Oil,” urging the government to adopt a multi-sector development approach that prioritises food security, youth skills development, digital inno- vation and the full activa- tion of the State’s coastal economic potential.
According to the As- sembly, the Akwa Ibom agricultural sector requires immediate interventions, including improved funding, strengthened extension services, and a statewide programme to support farmers with inputs and market access. It also called for the revival of dormant farm estates and the establishment of partner- ships that will open new value chains for rural communities.
In the ICT sector, the Assembly recommended a coordinated digital strategy that expands broadband access, develops community ICT hubs and invests in capacity-building programmes to equip young people with employable tech skills.
On the maritime economy, the Assembly urged the government to fast-track the development of the Blue Economy framework, improve coastal infrastructure and create regulatory support that will enable investments in fishing, marine logistics and other water-based en- terprises.
Beyond the sector specific resolutions, the Assembly recommended stronger collaboration among government, private sector, civil society and development partners, improved regulatory frameworks, youth capacity development, and increased transparency and public engagement in governance.
It urged governments at all levels, private organisations and citizens to support the recommendations and contribute additional ideas that can accelerate Akwa Ibom’s transition to a diversified, post-oil economy.
