Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah and a group of Nigerian and foreign investors have announced plans to revive the multi-billion-naira Ibom Science Park project, which has remained inactive after the state government indicated it would no longer pursue the initiative.

The investors are proposing to incorporate the project into a privately funded technology hub to be known as Uyo Silicon Valley, with the proposed World Trade Centre Uyo expected to serve as one of its major facilities.

The plan was disclosed in a communiqué issued by The Silicon Valley Science Park (Nigeria) Limited, the company behind the proposed development.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Iboro Otu, a businessman and former African Action Congress governorship candidate in the 2023 Akwa Ibom election, said Attah would serve as chairman of the company’s board.

The promoters said they had opened discussions with the Akwa Ibom State Government over the proposed takeover and redevelopment of the Ibom Science Park.

Their move follows Governor Umo Eno’s earlier declaration that the state was prepared to hand the project over to a competent private investor rather than continue to fund or manage it.

The company said it had formally communicated its interest in working with the state government to assume responsibility for the project and transform it into part of the proposed Uyo Silicon Valley ecosystem.

According to the promoters, combining the existing Ibom Science Park with the planned technology district would create a major centre for science, technology and innovation with the potential to rank among the largest such developments in Africa.

The proposed Uyo Silicon Valley is expected to attract private investment and provide an integrated platform for technology, innovation and business development in Akwa Ibom State.